Minnesota United FC delivered a statement win on Saturday afternoon, thumping Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF 4-1 at a sun-drenched Allianz Field. In front of a raucous home crowd, the Loons put in a vintage counterattacking performance under rising head coach Eric Ramsay, vaulting themselves into sole possession of second place in the MLS Western Conference.
Despite controlling just 33% of possession, Minnesota was ruthlessly efficient, scoring four goals on five shots on target. Their direct, transition-heavy approach shredded a shaky Inter Miami defense that failed to cope with the Loons’ pace and precision on the break.
Inter Miami, led by captain Lionel Messi, started the game with Óscar Ustari in goal and a back four of Marcelo Weigandt, Noah Allen, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba. The midfield featured a mix of youth and experience: Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, and Benjamin Cremaschi. Messi spearheaded the attack.
However, it was the hosts who seized control early. Minnesota bagged two first-half goals, the second coming just seconds before halftime when defender Anthony Markanich headed home off a long throw-in to double the lead. That set the tone for what was to come.
Inter Miami showed brief signs of life just after the break, with Messi scoring his fifth goal of the regular season in the 48th minute. The play was assisted by Jordi Alba, marking his fourth helper of the MLS campaign. But the momentum was short-lived.
Minnesota responded with two more goals in the second half, putting the game out of reach and sending their supporters into celebration. The four-goal haul matched the club’s highest offensive output since Ramsay took over more than a year ago, highlighting the growing maturity and clinical edge of his system.
Inter Miami won’t have much time to regroup. The team continues its road trip this Wednesday, May 14, when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.
With defensive concerns mounting and the Eastern Conference standings tightening, the Herons will be looking for a strong response as they try to reignite their playoff push.
