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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after a play against Al-Nassr during the second half at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after a play against Al-Nassr during the second half at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports
The bad run of form continues for Inter Miami. Moments ago, the Herons endured a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal Leg 1 clash. Lionel Messi, who was absent from the clash, saw his side produce another dissatisfying result.
Notably, Miami had the steering wheel in their hands after Tomas Aviles broke the deadlock for the Florida-based club through a corner taken by Julian Gressel. However, everything went downhill for the home side after that. Their star forward, Robert Taylor, was forced to be taken off in the 37th minute after sustaining a tear-jerking injury, getting replaced by youngster Leonardo Afonso. Later in the second half, things got worse for Miami as David Ruiz got sent off in the 65th minute. The misery certainly didn’t end there.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez (9) reacts after a goal by Al-Nassr during the second half at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports
Minutes after Miami went down to 10 men, Monterrey’s Maximiliano Meza equalized for his side. 20 minutes later, Jorge Rodriguez added to his team’s tally just before injury time. The likes of Luis Suarez and Diego Gomez failed to turn the tables at the last moment, forcing them to accept the defeat as the final whistle blew. Certainly, the defeat is a huge blow for Tata Martino and Co., as it has mounted their problems, especially for the second leg. They would be required to make a comeback in the second leg in order to progress to the next stage of the competition.
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But for now, they will have to face the wrath of their ardent fans, who are not happy with the loss.
Inter Miami lost to Monterrey, leaving fans disheartened
Inter Miami’s inability to thrive in Lionel Messi’s absence has frustrated even devoted fans, who vented their frustration on social media platform X.
This fan is not getting over the fact that Inter Miami, despite having a perfect lead, managed to bottle it in the second half. The MLS side has been urged to reflect after such a disappointing loss.
Have shame you just bottled a game
— Raymond (@rymnd_ben) April 4, 2024
Not just Messi alone, but stars including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba were not able to carry Miami forward. Does this mean they need more support from their other players?
Just so many bang average players in this squad.Get the stars some help
— Michael Olawumi (@MichaelOlawumi6) April 4, 2024
Inter Miami’s loss in the absence of Lionel Messi collectively puts La Pulga’s image in danger. This led one of the netizens to urge the the former PSG forward to leave Fort Lauderdale for the Saudi Pro League instead to reunite with his former Barcelona teammate, Neymar at Al Hilal.
Inter Miami does not deserve a player like Leo Messi. He should go to the greatest club in Asia, Al Hilal Saudi Arabia
— بندر (@iBndrz) April 4, 2024
This fan compared Miami players with Sunday league players, echoing Roy Keane’s recent ‘League Two player’ comparisons with Erling Haaland.
That inter Miami players looks like Sunday league players
— World Best1 (@Th3Better1) April 4, 2024
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Questions are being raised about whether David Beckham should even let Inter Miami deliver such a performance. Prior to this loss, they not only played a 1-1 draw against NY City but endured a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the NY Red Bulls. The stakeholders are being urged to sack Martino ASAP!
Sack Tata immediately. No seriousness in players, can't make simple passes. Defence is pathetic. Can't believe Beckham is allowing such football to be played. Players are tired yet no substitutes. Tata is literally useless. Rest Suarez or play him max 45 minutes.
— Champ Messi (@bullybear19) April 4, 2024
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There is nothing for Miami at the moment but to ponder the shocking loss. Let’s hope they are able to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Otherwise, Lionel Messi and Co. are in deep trouble.