Inter Miami End Winless Run as Injuries Fail to Stop Messi-Led Masterclass

Published on May 29, 2025

Inter Miami returned to winning ways with a spirited 4–2 victory over CF Montréal, overcoming a series of early injuries to key defenders Jordi Alba and Gonzalo Luján. The match, played at Chase Stadium, served as a much-needed morale booster for Javier Mascherano’s squad, who had gone five games without a win.

 
Injury Setbacks for Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s defensive setup was rocked early in the match:

  •  Gonzalo Luján limped off in the 12th minute with a muscular injury.
  • Just 12 minutes later, veteran fullback Jordi Alba was also forced off due to a similar issue.

To make matters worse, Tomás Avilés, who replaced Luján, picked up an ankle injury and had to be substituted at halftime. Maximiliano Falcón stepped in to stabilize the backline for the remainder of the match.

 
Messi and Suárez Lead the Comeback

Despite the injury crisis, Inter Miami’s offensive firepower took center stage:

  • Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a trademark left-footed strike, set up by Sergio Busquets.
  • Luis Suárez netted a second-half brace, showcasing his instinctive finishing.
  • Messi sealed the victory with a second goal in the 88th minute, capping off a dominant attacking display.

This attacking trio—Messi, Suárez, and Busquets—once again proved decisive, lifting the team in a critical moment of the season.

 
Mascherano’s Tactical Flexibility

Head coach Javier Mascherano had to make rapid tactical adjustments due to the defensive crisis. The ability of the squad to adapt mid-game was a testament to the depth and discipline Mascherano is instilling in the team.

Following the match, Mascherano emphasized resilience:

“We were tested early with Alba and Luján going down. But the response from the squad was fantastic. We need to be ready for anything—this performance showed we can adapt.”


 
What This Win Means for Inter Miami

  • Ended a 5-game winless run in Major League Soccer
  • Boosted confidence ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup
  • Reaffirmed Messi and Suárez as game-changers even amid adversity

Inter Miami now shifts its focus to a key fixture against Columbus Crew on May 31, a final preparation before their Club World Cup campaign.

 
Inter Miami's ability to secure victory despite losing two key defenders early in the match highlights the club’s evolving maturity and resilience. With Messi and Suárez in peak form, and Mascherano managing squad depth expertly, the Herons remain strong contenders on both domestic and international fronts.

 

 
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