Inter Miami conceded five goals in a humbling defeat to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, putting manager Javier Mascherano’s tactics under scrutiny. But the Herons made sure there wouldn’t be a repeat, allowing just one goal while Lionel Messi proved the catalyst with three assists in a convincing 4-1 win over the struggling New England Revolution on Saturday night.
Mascherano made three tweaks to his starting XI, sparking the turnaround. After watching centerbacks Tomás Avilés and Gonzalo Luján struggle, the manager shifted Noah Allen – typically used as a backup left back – into the role alongside Maxi Falcón. He also moved Messi deeper into midfield, deploying him as a wide playmaker.
Mascherano swapped in Rocco Ríos Novo for Oscar Ustari, who struggled against the Fire. While the change pushed Messi further from goal, it made him even more incisive as a creator. After a few goals were ruled offside for the home side, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finally broke through in the 32nd minute.
Messi delivered an incredible no-look through ball to Tadeo Allende, who blasted past USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner with his right foot to put Miami ahead 1-0. Just 12 minutes later, Messi thought he had scored, only for the goal to be called back for an offside on Luis Suárez. Seconds later, though, he was at the heart of another, finding Jordi Alba with a slick backheel that doubled Miami’s lead heading into halftime.
New England made things interesting in the 59th minute when new U22 signing Dor Turgeman unleashed an unbelievable rocket after catching Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Busquets ball-watching and beating Falcón on the dribble. But Miami answered almost instantly – once again through Messi.
The No. 10 floated a diagonal ball over the top to Allende, who surged forward and beat Turner again to make it 3-1. The goal proved back-breaking for the Revs, who later conceded another, as Telasco Segovia sliced through two players before finding Alba, who danced around his marker to secure his second of the night.
Messi has 41 goal contributions this season.
With the match in hand, Mascherano provided a touching moment in the 75th minute, substituting Busquets to allow the legendary Spanish midfielder – who announced his upcoming retirement last week – to receive a standing ovation ahead of next weekend's planned celebration.
And while Philadelphia clinched the Supporters’ Shield on Saturday with their win over NYCFC, Miami still have plenty to play for, with home playoff spots up for grabs in the East. The result lifts them to third in the conference with a game in hand.
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Rocco Ríos Novo (6/10):
Made four saves and appeared to be more sure-handed and mobile than the 39-year-old Ustari. But he could have done a bit more on the Turgeman goal. The 23-year-old goalkeeper gave Mascherano something to think about.
Jordi Alba (10/10):
Is Alba the best left back MLS has ever seen? He was nothing short of incredible Saturday, taking striker-level finishes against a porous New England defense, and had an assist. Alba has five goals and 14 assists, numbers that would put him in the MVP conversation in pre-Messi years in MLS.
Maxi Falcon (5/10):
Got beat badly on New England's only goal of the night and was largely OK against a New England attack that has been inconsistent all season.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Was solid but didn't stand out.
Ian Fray (7/10):
Had the best defensive showing by a Miami player Saturday, picking up four tackles and blocking a direct shot.
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Lionel Messi (10/10):
Alba was named Man of the Match, but to be fair, both he and Messi were equally impactful. The Argentine effortlessly picked up three assists, showing his strong vision and serving as the team's creative engine in midfield. While he missed a sitter, overall he was dominant.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
Was moved back to his natural midfield and had some bright moments, but also had some costly mental lapses. Was caught staring directly at Turgeman as he drove past to get New England's goal.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Quietly, one of his most efficient performances in a Miami shirt, had four long balls connect along with making 94 percent of his passes. That said, he played a role in Miami's conceded goal.
Baltasar Rodríguez (5/10): The 22-year-old got a rare start but struggled, largely deferring to his more well-established teammates before being subbed off in the 60th minute.
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Luis Suarez (6/10):
Will rue his timing on an attempted bicycle kick that resulted in an offside call on Messi's goal. Otherwise, solid but quiet night for the legendary striker.
Tadeo Allende (8/10):
Raise your hand if you thought the on-loan Celta Vigo attacker would be Miami's second-highest goalscorer on the season. Allende has played the unsung hero all campaign long, and his two goals put him at 10 this season.
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Telasco Segovia (7/10):
Had a good bounce back from his struggles Tuesday, delivered an assist in Miami's final goal.
Yannick Bright (6/10):
Came on for Busquets, didn't make much of an impact.
Tomas Aviles (NA):
Brought on in the 90th minute and didn't have much time to make an impact.
Gonzalo Lujan (NA):
Same as Aviles, as he was brought on at the 89th minute.
Javier Mascherano (8/10):
The Argentine faced plenty of heat this week after Miami's defensive lapses against Chicago, and he responded with authority. While context is key – New England are one of the worst teams in MLS – this is still the response Miami needed. He can hold his head high after making three significant changes that paid dividends.
