Messi’s Inter Miami Suffer 13th Loss of the Season With a 4–1 Defeat in MLS by Philadelphia Union

• Philadelphia Union inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Inter Miami CF
• It was Inter Miami's seventh straight defeat of the season
• Meanwhile, marquee signing Lionel Messi is expected to make his debut for the club on July 21

Inter Miami, Lionel Messi's new team, suffered a chastening 4-1 defeat against Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Saturday, June 24.

It was the 13th loss of the season for Inter Miami. Despite enjoying a majority of the possession, the visitors fell behind in the 14th minute when Norwegian defender Jakob Glesnes broke the deadlock.

The situation worsened by halftime, with Julian Carranza and Leon Flach adding two more goals for Philadelphia Union, per USA Today.

Although Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor managed to narrow the deficit ten minutes before the hour mark, the home team quickly re-established their three-goal lead with an own goal from David Ruiz, NBC Miami reports.

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As the current bottom team in the MLS Eastern Conference, Inter Miami's chances of reaching the playoffs are gradually diminishing despite the high-profile addition of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi, and former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets. The club's fortunes have yet to see a substantial turnaround.

The significance of Messi's arrival amplifies following this defeat, as the 2022 World Cup winner is expected to showcase his magic and help guide the club out of this persistent cycle of defeats.

When is Messi's Inter Miami debut?

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi could play his first game for his new team Inter Miami on July 21.

The 2022 World Cup winner, who turned 36 on June 24, is expected to make his first appearance at DRV PNK Stadium in the League Cup match against Liga MX side Cruz Azul.

DRV PNK Stadium has a capacity of only 18,000, and demand to watch Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain in action in the flesh will far outstrip supply.

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Why Messi joined Inter Miami?

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Argentine football legend Juan Sebastián Verón has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi's move to MLS club Inter Miami.

While he had the option to return to Barcelona or pursue a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner chose to join Inter Miami.

Veron, analyzing Messi's decision, hinted that his compatriot opted for a less demanding path among the various enticing offers he had received.