Inter Miami has successfully passed its first test of the MLS playoffs. The Herons secured a close 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Chase Stadium. While the win might suggest there’d be little room for criticism of Lionel Messi and company, fans have instead voiced concerns, pointing out a key shortcoming in the team’s performance.

39. The amount of goals conceded by Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS regular season. Adding today’s equalizer that Atlanta United scored in today’s playoffs match makes it 40 when also adding the playoffs statistics. Well, to break the ice, defense remains one of the biggest issues for ardent supporters. That’s because there hardly goes a match where the Florida-based club ever manages to keep a clean sheet.

Even the goal they conceded was purely a defensive mistake, or shall we say a bit of lack of awareness. The opposition goalscorer Saba Lobzhanidze was able to receive a short pass between the apparent spacing inside Miami’s penalty box that was left between Federico Redondo and Tomas Aviles. Rest, what more the star goalkeeper Drake Callender could do, who gets no chance whatsoever to save from close encounters?

Luckily, a clutch finish from Luis Suarez within 2 minutes as well as a wondergoal from Jordi Alba exactly at the hour mark was able to secure the crucial victory for the David Beckham-owned side. Of course, players like Lionel Messi, Suarez, Robert Taylor, and Benjamin Cremaschi can deliver, but what about defense? Looks like fans won’t settle until and unless Tata Martino does something about it!

Lionel Messi and Co. urged to improve on the defensive front!

We reckon there would be hardly any complaints from fans regarding Inter Miami’s attack. However, the defense has always remained one of the key concerns for them, which only forces netizens to voice their concerns on X, formerly Twitter.

Tom Cruise’s franchise movie, Mission Impossible saw Ethan Hunt do all the missions even if the title of the movie suggested otherwise. However, looks like Inter Miami takes it in the literal sense, just like this fan suggests; The Herons keeping a clean sheet? Mission Impossible indeed!

There’s a reason why the goalkeeper is called the last line of defense. While we won’t get into arguments about Drake Callender’s quality, we’d surely like to point out that he managed to keep just 5 clean sheets for Inter Miami this season, in over 32 appearances, conceding over 45 goals.

Another solid reason why Inter Miami should work out on defensive signings is due to the following crucial words, “FIFA Club World Cup.” Having won the host slot after, expectations would be high from the Florida side to have a memorable run in the tournament. However, if Miami’s backline remains the exact same, then forget if they’ll make it any further in the tournament.

Depending on Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez to score goals is only a natural thought process for Inter Miami. However, if they expect them to do the defensive duties, then we shall intervene. David Beckham and the Mas brothers must draw up some defensive targets in the transfer window.

Of course, it’s too late to make new additions for the MLS playoffs. However, the best they can do for themselves is at least get stacked up for the Club World Cup. Forget the goal duties on the star attack. Get the best of the best in the backline to make a solid team.

This was just a glimpse of what Inter Miami fans had been angry about. However, to conclude, the message is clear for Tata Martino and Co. Also, would like to know your thoughts on this.