Inter Miami Inconsistency Persists
Inter Miami 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday was another display of promise overshadowed by defensive fragility. While Tadeo Allende scored twice and Lionel Messi featured heavily in the buildup, Miami has now conceded three goals in four of its last five games — a worrying trend under new head coach Javier Mascherano.
“At the end, if you can score and put the game in your way, you have to try to live some moments and keep calm,” Mascherano said post-match. “This is something we have to learn.”
Miami’s recent form reads 1-4-1 across all competitions, and the need for maturity and control in key moments has become a recurring theme in Mascherano’s early tenure.
A Chaotic First Half
The game opened in wild fashion. Maxi Falcon gave the Herons a dream start by heading home Jordi Alba’s cross just 34 seconds in. But only 91 seconds later, Miami’s Oscar Ustari misplayed a pass, gifting San Jose a goal through Cristian Espinoza’s assist to Chicho Arango.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, those goals made for the fastest start to a match — with both teams scoring — since at least 2008.
San Jose took the lead again in the 37th minute when Beau Leroux blasted in from 26 yards. Allende responded with a close-range finish seven minutes later, but the Quakes regained their advantage before the break through Ian Harkes’ first goal for the club — another strike from distance.
Mascherano Demands Growth
Mascherano was clear in his criticism, pointing to repeated mental lapses and a lack of composure.
“We need to play more mature,” he said. “We need to know how to live every single moment of the game.”
His concern wasn’t just about errors — it was about mentality. Miami’s inability to manage leads, absorb pressure, and respond to adversity continues to cost them.
Allende Shines, Messi Denied Late
Allende’s second goal came in the 55th minute, stabbing in a feed from Baltasar Rodriguez. Messi nearly won the match in stoppage time, but San Jose keeper Daniel made a crucial save to preserve the draw.
“Personally, it was a very average game. I wasn’t feeling very well,” Allende admitted. “But this helps my confidence and performance.”
A Point Earned, But Lessons Left
While the draw did offer positives — including resilience and Messi’s influence — Mascherano made it clear that defensive improvement is non-negotiable.
“You cannot concede the goals that we conceded today,” he said. “We need to improve a lot.”
For Miami, the attacking pieces are in place. But until they find balance and discipline, wins will remain elusive — and the postseason, a challenge.
