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Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi didn't hold back after the club's stunning 4–3 loss to Orlando City on Saturday, blasting his teammates and calling the result flat-out "unacceptable" for the reigning MLS Cup holders.
The Herons looked comfortable early on against their in-state rivals, building a commanding 3–0 lead by the 33rd minute at Nu Stadium through strikes from Ian Fray, Telasco Segovia, and Messi himself. Orlando City mounted a remarkable comeback, however, netting four consecutive goals to snatch all three points from a stunned Inter Miami side.
Following the collapse, Fray addressed reporters and shared what Messi had said about the shocking defeat. "Our captain spoke and obviously, he gave us a bunch of words, encouraging us for the next game and saying this is unacceptable, which we all agree with him.
"It is unacceptable and it won't happen again, for sure."
Inter Miami's Continued Defensive Woes Spell Trouble
It's hardly a fresh storyline in South Florida, but it may never have felt more relevant: Inter Miami are far too vulnerable defensively. Despite bringing in 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, center back Micael, and left back Sergio Reguilón during the offseason, the Herons have managed just three clean sheets across 13 matches in all competitions.
The side has also already surrendered 20 goals. By comparison, through their opening 13 games last season, Inter Miami conceded only nine.
Previously, they could rely on Jordi Alba patrolling the left flank and Sergio Busquets stepping in as a makeshift center back. Without the two Barcelona icons, who hung up their boots at the end of last season, the team are struggling badly in their own half with no signs of improvement in sight.
Messi is doing everything in his power to compensate for a shaky backline. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has already netted eight league goals in 2026, more than any other player in a pink shirt and third-most in the MLS Golden Boot standings. He also tops the league in both shots and shots on target.
Yet even Messi's brilliance cannot patch up a defense so readily taken apart. As long as the Herons continue allowing lesser opponents to claw their way back into games, their chances of lifting another Supporters' Shield look increasingly slim.
What's Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami have a week to put their humiliating loss to 13th-place Orlando City behind them before traveling north to face Toronto FC on Saturday, May 9. The fixture offers the defending champions an ideal chance to regroup, as their Canadian opponents have gone five straight matches without a victory.
After that, the Herons head to TQL Stadium on Wednesday, May 13, for a clash with FC Cincinnati, a side gradually rediscovering their rhythm following a sluggish start to the campaign.
Currently occupying third place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points from 11 games, Inter Miami will be hoping back-to-back wins can help them close the gap on conference leaders Nashville SC.
Further slip-ups, however, could see Messi and company slide down a tightly packed standings if nearest rivals Chicago Fire and Cincinnati themselves manage to collect strong results.