Javier Mascherano says that Inter Miami is still 'learning' after their humiliating exit of the Concacaf Champions Cup in the hands of the Vancouver WhiteCaps last week.
Miami was aggregated 5-1 over two legs, and a loss for FC Dallas in between ended their 19-match regular season undefeated streak-a joint MLS record.
But they emphatically bounced back and sailed last Saturday to a 4-1 win over the New York Red Bulls.
First half goals from Fafa Picault, Marcelo Weigandt and Luis Suarez set the tone, with Lionel Messi who adds a fourth after the break. Mohammed Sofo withdrew one for the Red Bulls just before the break, but it turned out to be little more than comfort.
After the game, Mascherano emphasized the importance of return to winning ways, while recognizing it is still growing.
“It was a very physically demanding game, we needed it. It was important to return to a good feeling,” said Mascherano.
'I am the one who is frustrated, together with the players, because he [CONCACAF Champions Cup] final.
“But you have to remember it, Inter Miami has not had many opportunities to play games like these. We still learn. The results will come in the future. Rome was not built one day.
“Greatness comes from big nights, from victories, comebacks and even of errors. We continue to push because we believe that this team can compete.
The Argentinian added: “We are going to fight for the top spots in the Eastern Conference, and then we will see what will be delivered with the Club World Cup and the League Cup.
“But at the moment the most important game is the next.”
Miami is now fourth in the rankings of the Eastern Conference, only three points on the crew of Columbus at the top.
Meanwhile, Minnesota United has enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Austin FC last weekend to go to second place in the classification of the Western Conference, although Vancouver maintains a healthy seven-point lead.
Anthony Markanich and Joaquin Pereyra were on goal for the hosts, with his own goal from Ilie Sanchez who helped to complete a ruthless victory.
Focus is on Minnesota pic.twitter.com/ovtefjrb2k
– Inter Miami CF (@intermiamicf) 7 May 2025
Players to watch
Minnesota United – Tani Oluwaseyi
Although it did not come to the score sheet, Oluwaseyi was crucial last weekend in the victory of Minnesota over Austin. The Canadian international had seven shots, four on goal, and led his side with 0.32 expected goals (XG).
He just found it five times and gave two assists this season in 10 ml competitions.
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi ended a series of four consecutive games in all games, all starts, without a target contribution by scoring against NY Red Bulls on Saturday.
The four straight starts without a target contribution in club game was his longest piece since a run of five games with Barcelona in March-April 2016.
Match forecast: Inter Miami Win
Despite their loss against Vancouver, Miami comes into the collision of Saturday as favorites. They have only lost one of their last 18 regular seasonal matches that goes back to last season, including unbeaten in nine consecutive. Only four teams in the post-shootout era (since 2000) have included a fired line of 10 or more consecutive games.
However, Minnesota will still feel like their chances because of a good recent form. After a seasonal opening for Lafc, the hosts have only lost one of their last 10 games in the regular season (W5 D4). Their 3-0 victory at Austin was their MLS-this sixth clean sheet of the season.
The only earlier meeting between Minnesota United and Inter Miami ended in a 2-1 win for Miami in St. Paul in June 2022.
Main storylines to watch during Minnesota vs. Miami
𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 »pic.twitter.com/cmt677d2ry
– Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) 9 May 2025
Opta wins probability
Minnesota United – 30.6%
Drawing – 25.0%
Inter Miami – 44.4%
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