'There was only one team on the field' - Minus Leo Messi, Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano claims responsibility for Florida derby loss, admits he's 'very hurt, very concerned'

Inter Miami’s 4-1 loss to Orlando City in the Florida Derby hit the Herons hard, as they were unable to count on Lionel Messi for a second consecutive match due to injury. Manager Javier Mascherano took the blame after Sunday’s setback at Exploria Stadium.

“The first person responsible is me, and I take full accountability,” he said after the match. “We have a long week ahead to reflect on what happened. As the leader of this group, it hurts to present the image we showed today. This has to be a turning-point match. When we take our foot off the gas, any team can beat us.”

The Argentine was disappointed after the result, as the team played its first MLS match following a strong group stage in the Leagues Cup.

“If we truly want to compete, this is not the way," he said. "There was only one team on the field today. We didn’t play with the intensity these games require. They outplayed us from the first minute to the last. Very hurt, very concerned.”

Inter Miami missed Messi, as it was a painful defeat for the Herons in the Florida Clásico after being on a roll - they hadn’t lost a match since July 16, when they fell 3-0 to FC Cincinnati in MLS. It also marked their first defeat since Rodrigo de Paul’s arrival and their second straight loss to Orlando City.

This was the 17th edition of the Florida Derby, and for the second straight time, the victory went to Orlando City, who now have seven wins, five draws, and five losses against Inter Miami.

The Herons face LA Galaxy next Saturday looking to return to winning ways.