Inter Miami faced their first defeat of the Major League Soccer season on Sunday, losing 3-2 at home to Montreal. The disappointment for Inter Miami fans was compounded by the absence of their superstar attacking trio, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, who were all left out of the starting line-up for the clash.
Coach Tata Martino made the decision to rest Lionel Messi amid a grueling schedule at the beginning of the season. Messi was listed as questionable on the initial injury report, but it was later confirmed that he was being rested ahead of the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 second leg against Nashville on Wednesday.
In Messi’s absence, Martino opted for a 5-3-2 formation, with Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor leading the line. The midfield consisted of new signings Julian Gressel and Federico Redondo, along with 22-year-old Lawson Sunderland. However, it was Montreal who took control of the game, with Fernando Alvarez, Matias Coccaro, and Sunusi Ibrahim scoring the goals that secured their victory.
Despite Miami’s defeat, they still maintain their position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, with Montreal trailing closely behind on goal difference.
The decision to rest Messi, Suarez, and Busquets raised questions about the wisdom of Martino’s choice. Montreal dominated the early exchanges, and Alvarez headed the visitors into the lead from a corner in the 13th minute. Miami slowly grew into the game, with Jordi Alba having a goal disallowed for offside in the 17th minute.
Miami had chances to equalize before half-time, with Taylor hitting the crossbar and missing a header. They continued to create opportunities in the second half, but Montreal’s defense held firm.
Miami finally found the back of the net in the 71st minute, as Campana headed home a cross from Sunderland. However, their hopes of preserving their unbeaten start to the season were shattered as Montreal scored twice in three minutes. Coccaro and Ibrahim extended Montreal’s lead to 3-1.
Alba gave Miami a glimmer of hope with a stunning strike in the 80th minute, but despite a late onslaught, Montreal held on to secure all three points.
In other MLS games on Sunday, Cincinnati and D.C. United played out a goalless draw, while Los Angeles Galaxy fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Nashville.
Although Inter Miami suffered a defeat without their star players, the decision to rest Messi, Suarez, and Busquets was made with the long-term success of the team in mind. As the season progresses, their presence on the field will undoubtedly be crucial in Miami’s pursuit of victory in the MLS.