Inter Miami on red alert

Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak is over. The team fell to FC Dallas, and despite key players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets being well-rested, alarm bells are ringing for Javier Mascherano’s side.

While the The Herons are focused on the CONCACAF Champions Cup and hoping to turn things around against the Vancouver Whitecaps, their recent form has been disappointing. Over their last seven matches across all competitions, Inter Miami has recorded just two wins, two draws, and three losses.

Previously, the club had enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten run, with eight wins and only one draw — even during periods when Messi was rested by the Argentine coach. In that stretch, Inter Miami scored 19 goals while conceding only six. In contrast, over their last seven matches, they’ve scored eight goals but conceded nine.

Messi-dependence returns

Inter Miami has slipped to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 18 points but could climb to second, holding a game in hand over the current leaders. However, the team once again appears heavily reliant on Messi.

The Argentine star delivered a brilliant performance in the comeback win over LAFC and remains the clear leader of Mascherano’s system. Yet at times, the team seems overly focused on feeding the ball to him.

“The team looks to Messi too much,” observed former Portland Timbers coach and current Apple TV analyst, Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese, before the match against FC Dallas. “Everything always has to go through Messi, and that starts to complicate the situation a bit, because he’s not the only one who has to solve the problem.”

Adding to Inter Miami’s concerns is the form of Luis Suárez, who has now gone nine consecutive matches without scoring under Mascherano’s management.

Related stories

NFL

Questions remain over Eagles' White House visit

NFL

Commanders stadium controversy emerges as move confirmed

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.