Inter Miami player ratings vs. Minnesota United: Lionel Messi scores but Javier Mascherano gets it all wrong as the Loons thrash the Herons

Without Luis Suarez, the Herons were smacked around the field by the Loons in a battle between two of MLS' best to start 2025

Inter Miami's defense capitulated, conceding two goals in each half, as the Herons fell to Minnesota United 4-1 on the road in a battle of two MLS's best teams this season.

Luis Suarez was not available for selection due to "personal reasons," and Miami couldn't find any rhythm going forward without one of their leaders on attack.

Lionel Messi did find the back of the net, with the reigning MLS MVP bringing theHerons within a goal early in the second half after MNUFC went into the break with a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Anthony Markanich and Bongokuhle Hlongwane. However, a 68th-minute own-goal from defender Marcelo Weigandt ultimately doomed Miami, ending its momentum.

Finland international Robin Lod scored Minnesota's fourth - a blistering strike - to put the cherry on top just two minutes later.

Manager Javier Mascherano made four changes in the second half to try and turn their fortunes around, but the Herons were completely outplayed throughout the 90 minutes and left with zero ideas on the pitch.

It was another concerning result for Miami as it continues its poor run of form, losing its fourth match in its last five in all competitions. This is also the largest margin of defeat for the club since Messi's arrival in 2023. Prior to Saturday's three-goal defeat, Messi and Co. had only suffered one two-goal defeat, it's 3-1 home loss to Atlanta United in May 2024.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Allianz Field...

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Goalkeeper & Defense
Oscar Ustari (5/10):
There really wasn't much he could do. His defense let him down on the first two, Weigandt scored an own-goal on the third and Robin Lod just hit a brilliant strike for the fourth. Not his day.
Jordi Alba (3/10):
Completely torn apart on MNUFC's opener. Perhaps his worst showing of 2025.
Noah Allen (5/10):
Some positive moments, but just outplayed by the Loons' counter-attack.
Gonzalo Lujan (4/10):
Could not handle Tani Oluwaseyi all evening. Really struggled defensively.
Marcelo Weigandt (3/10):
Just a rough performance. Was beaten around defensively, and scored an own-goal that was one to forget for 'Chelo.'

Midfield
Yannick Bright (5/10):
Much better second half in a double pivot alongside Busquets after Redondo was removed, but again - much like his teammates - just could not progress the ball forward.
Federico Redondo (3/10):
Subbed off at halftime after an underwhelming midfield showing. Looked a bit lost in a midfield three.
Sergio Busquets (6/10):
Played a destroyer role well and broke the Loons midfield down throughout the game. But those around him let him down.
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Attack
Benjamin Cremaschi (5/10):
Played out of position in the first half, and was moved centrally in the second half - but it didn't help. Just couldn't progress the ball.
Lionel Messi (6/10):
Great finish for their opener, but failed to lift those around him - a crucial part of why he is in the team. Just not enough.
Telasaco Segovia (4/10):
Struggled most of the match to make an attacking impact. Not a great performance by any means.

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Subs & Manager
Allen Obando (5/10):
Instant impact as he drew the Loons defenders away on Messi's goal, but struggled to find space after. Not a terrible performance, but not his best.
Ian Fray (N/A):
Should have started over Weigandt. Solid to close the game out.
Tomas Aviles (N/A):
Subbed on with 14 minutes to spare.
Leo Afonso (N/A):
Brought on the same time as Aviles. Close out the match.
Javier Mascherano (3/10):
Just completely got the team selection wrong. Without a striker, Messi wasn't allowed any freedom in the first half, and their midfield was overloaded to the point where forward progression was halted due to congestion in their own passing lanes. The choice to start Weigandt, not select Falcon, and leave Obando on the bench from the start will leave a lot of Miami fans scratching their heads.
Outcoached, outplayed, outsmarted. Mascherano should start to feel some heat.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager