Inter Miami Faces Pressure with Messi's Struggles, Coach Defends Team

Inter Miami's strong start to the 2025 season has faltered, with three consecutive losses culminating in elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Questions have arisen about the team's reliance on Lionel Messi, who is experiencing a rare four-game spell without a goal or assist, but coach Javier Mascherano dismissed concerns, stating it's natural to depend on a player of Messi's caliber. Mascherano emphasized that even top clubs and national teams have structured their play around Messi, and that fluctuations in his influence are to be expected. Midfielder Sergio Busquets echoed this sentiment, noting that any team with Messi would naturally look to him for inspiration. Despite recent struggles, both Mascherano and Busquets remain confident the team can recover, with upcoming matches providing a chance to halt the losing streak. Recent statistics underline Messi's impact: Inter Miami are unbeaten in games where he contributes a goal or assist, but have struggled when he does not.