Messi-less Inter Miami suffer another derby defeat - Mascherano cries out: 'very hurt'

Inter Miami’s unbeaten run came to a crashing halt on Sunday as they fell 4-1 to Orlando City in the Florida Derby, their first defeat since July 16.

Missing Lionel Messi for a second straight match due to injury, the Herons struggled badly at Exploria Stadium, prompting head coach Javier Mascherano to take full responsibility.

“The first person responsible is me, and I take full accountability,” Mascherano admitted post-match.

He continued, “As the leader of this group, it hurts to present the image we showed today. This has to be a turning-point match.”

The Argentine coach lamented his side’s lack of intensity, saying there was “only one team on the field today” as Orlando dominated from start to finish.

The result was particularly painful for Miami, which had been riding high after a strong League Cup group stage. It also marked their first loss since the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul and their second consecutive derby defeat to Orlando City.

Sunday’s clash was the 17th edition of the Florida Derby, with Orlando now holding the edge in the rivalry with seven wins, five draws, and five defeats against Miami.