Inter Miami manage just one win in seven as Orlando thrashing highlights Messi’s frustration

FORT LAUDERDALE (United States), May 19 — Lionel Messi’s frustration continued to grow as Inter Miami’s poor run persisted with a 3-0 home defeat to Orlando City in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The loss in the Florida derby means Miami have now managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. They’ve dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, overtaken by Orlando

Orlando opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a remarkably simple goal — goalkeeper Pedro Gallese sent a long ball straight up the middle, which Luis Muriel latched onto and calmly finished past Oscar Ustari.

The visitors continued to exploit Miami’s disorganized defense with direct play. Argentine forward Marti Ojeda missed a clear chance when he fired over the bar, despite being one-on-one. Soon after, Ustari made a double save to deny both Alexander Freeman and Ojeda again, but he was at fault for Orlando’s second — Marco Pasilic’s low shot slipped through the veteran goalkeeper’s hands and legs.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano responded by bringing on more attacking players, but his efforts failed to spark a comeback.

In the fourth minute of added time, Duncan McGuire surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross that was tucked away by Icelandic striker Dagur Thorhallsson, capping a dominant display by the away side.

Over their last seven matches, Miami have allowed 20 goals while scoring just 11. Their only win in that span came on May 3 against the New York Red Bulls.

Messi played the entire match, registering only two shots on target. — AFP