“Forfeit Any Future Games Messi Is Injured For” – Inter Miami Suffers First Season Defeat Without Lionel Messi; Fans React

Inter Miami is back to square one again. Minutes ago, the Herons endured a shocking 2-3 defeat against Montreal in their fourth MLS game. Unfortunately, star player Lionel Messi couldn’t save the day as Tata Martino gave the Argentinian superstar a rest. As news of Miami’s first defeat of the season spreads, fans have taken over the internet. 

David Beckham‘s soccer franchise was trailing in the first half after the away side’s 13th-minute goal from Fernando Alvarez. In the second half, Leonardo Campana finally broke the deadlock for the Herons in the 71st minute. However, Montreal was quick enough to restore their lead, thanks to two consecutive strikes from Matias Coccaro and Sunusi Ibrahim within seven minutes. Although Jordi Alba ignited the hope of a comeback by adding Miami’s second in the 80th minute, his efforts went in vain as Montreal successfully managed to steal three points from Messi-less Miami. In fact, netizens around the world didn’t spare Tata Martino and Co. following the aftermath of the MLS result. 

This fan has urged Inter Miami to raise the white flag beforehand if Lionel Messi isn’t playing for them. 

This fan feels ashamed, as Miami is trying to imply they can’t win against Messi.

The roadmap to success? Buy good defenders.

Drake Callender doesn’t seem to be doing his job.

Remembering the GOAT when things got hard.

Shots fired at Inter Miami!

Cristiano Ronaldo fans came to sprinkle salt on the Herons’ fanbase wounds.

But this netizen has a theory that Messi’s absence has nothing to do with the loss.

With the defeat, Miami failed to extend their 7-point lead, as now they share an equal tally with Montreal, Columbus, the NY Red Bulls, and Toronto. This defeat raises a lot of questions, with one being whether Martino’s side is too dependent on Lionel Messi.

Is Lionel Messi a weakness for Inter Miami?

It’s no secret that a team often relies on their star player to deliver results effortlessly on a silver platter. However, in desperate times, individuals are compelled to help themselves. This doesn’t appear to be the case for Inter Miami. Except for a few matches, the Florida-based club has struggled in Lionel Messi’s absence. This highlights two significant points. Firstly, Tata Martino and his team are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, a need that persists even with Messi on the squad.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s $900 Million Left Foot Set to Rescue Paraná River, After the Argentine’s Name Saved a Grandmother From Kidnapping

Secondly, they must prepare for a life without Messi. The World Cup winner won’t remain in Magic City indefinitely, as eventually he will be compelled to retire. Fortunately, Messi isn’t injured presently, but there’s no need to remind Miami of the challenges they encountered last season as they sought to make the playoffs without him when he was sidelined. Nonetheless, adopting these two strategies can assist Miami in asserting its dominance. Otherwise, they will have to face the consequences.