Inter Miami fall to heavy defeat despite Lionel Messi finding the net

Lionel Messi scored but Inter Miami suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat by Major League Soccer rivals Minnesota United.

Goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane just after the half-hour and Anthony Markanich on the stroke of half-time set Miami on the path to a fourth defeat in their last five matches in all competitions.

Messi pulled one back just after the break, reacting quickly to work himself into space from Jordi Alba’s low cross and while he scuffed his shot, it was still well placed to beat Dayne St Clair.

It was the second game in a row where Messi had found the back of the net, having also bagged the last goal in Miami’s 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls last week, but that was as good as it got.

Marcelo Weigandt unintentionally directed into his own net in the 68th minute and moments later, Robin Lod added gloss to the scoreline for Minnesota.

Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez was unavailable for the clash due to personal reasons.