Inter Miami’s Struggles Mirror Lionel Messi’s PSG Woes - (2025)

Updated: 11/06/2025

Inter Miami's recent struggles in Major League Soccer have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The South Florida team faced a crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Minnesota United, marking Messi's heaviest loss in MLS. This result, coupled with a string of underwhelming performances, has left Inter Miami, led by David Beckham, in a state of frustration and introspection.

Similar to his tenure at PSG, Messi finds himself surrounded by top-tier talent at Inter Miami, including Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. However, despite the star-studded lineup, the team has struggled to maintain a balance between their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. This lack of cohesion echoes the challenges faced by PSG during Messi's time at the club, where the trio of Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar failed to secure a coveted Champions League title.

One key issue plaguing Inter Miami is their defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent matches have exposed a disjointed backline, with a propensity for conceding goals, reminiscent of PSG's defensive struggles. The team's midfield, led by Yannick Bright, has tried to provide a defensive shield, but there remains a disconnect between the midfield and defensive units, leading to opponents finding space in behind in quick transition.

Reflecting on the team's recent performances, Mascherano, Inter Miami's coach, expressed accountability, stating, “If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me – all on me.” The Argentine coach faces mounting pressure to address the team's shortcomings and guide them back to winning ways.

Despite an impressive unbeaten start to the season, highlighted by an away victory over the Columbus Crew, Inter Miami has faltered in recent matches. Teams like Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas have exposed their vulnerabilities, leading to defeats and a slide down the Eastern Conference standings. The lack of recovery pace in defense and physicality at the back has made it easy for opponents to exploit Inter Miami's defensive weaknesses.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami is expected to be active in the summer transfer window in a bid to bolster their squad. Speculations linking Kevin De Bruyne and Ángel Di María to the club suggest that significant changes may be on the horizon. However, the immediate focus remains on the Club World Cup, where Messi and his teammates will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on a global stage.

While Inter Miami currently sits just four points off the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the team's ambitions extend beyond the regular season. The quest for silverware, particularly in the form of the MLS Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup, looms large. As history hints at a sense of déjà vu for Messi, the pressure is on for Inter Miami to rectify their issues and strive for success in the seasons to come.

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