Inter Miami finds themselves back to square one after their 1-3 loss against Atlanta United. Tonight’s disappointing result from the Herons marked the end of their eight-game unbeaten streak. Already surrounded by criticism from ardent supporters, star defender Sergii Kryvtsov has questioned the ‘responsibility‘ of Lionel Messi and other attackers in the game for their lack of goals.

Following the match, the Ukrainian was held by the media to react to the unfortunate result. A journalist asked how conceding three goals is seen as a mistake from defense but rather it was the attack needed to do better tonight. Interestingly, the 33-year-old replied, “That’s why I told my son ‘Don’t be a defender,’ because sometimes it’s unfair—it’s about responsibility. If the striker had 10 chances and then scored one goal, he’s the hero, but if a defender made one mistake, everybody hates you. but it’s okay we are used to it.”

Kryvtsov highlighted how the tables quickly turn whenever it’s a mistake from an attack, but usually, it’s the defense who has to face criticism. Notably, when there has been a disappointing result from Miami’s end, fans often point fingers at the backline, acknowledging it won’t always be Messi and other star attackers who will come forward to save the day. Perhaps Kryvtsov’s words may offer a fresh perspective to the Miami faithful.

Only Messi impressed with his stunning bottom-right corner strike out of the box. The rest including Robert Taylor, Luis Suarez, and substitute Matias Rojas were absent throughout the game. The Argentinian had returned to the starting XI after missing the previous Vancouver clash alongside Suarez and Sergio Busquets, which Miami had won 1-2 in the trio’s absence. Meanwhile, from today’s loss, Messi endured something that he hadn’t experienced in the last three years!

Lionel Messi endured a unique blow during Atlanta United’s loss

Today’s match marks the first time Lionel Messi has lost a match in which he scored. Interestingly, the last occurrence was during the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening group-stage game. On the domestic front, the last such loss was with Barcelona, falling 1-2 to Celta Vigo in May 2021.

Surprisingly, this scenario never unfolded during his two-year tenure with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the defeat, Inter Miami remains at the top with 34 points. A victory would have widened their lead to three points over second-placed Cincinnati, who also endured a 0-2 defeat against Nashville tonight.

Nevertheless, instead of the defense, it’s the attack that should reflect on today’s performance.