Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez impressed in the 4-2 win over CF Montréal, broke records, and gave Inter Miami the win with four games elapsed since the team had recorded a victory. But the greatest uncertainty surrounding the team of Argentinean legend Javier Mascherano is just how far this dynamic duo will carry this leaky defense. The answer can begin to take form this Sunday as the team welcomes Columbus Crew to the Chase Stadium for a showdown at the top of the 2025 MLS standings.
This is Inter Miami, sixth with 26 points, against fourth-placed Columbus, with 28. This is fundamentally a battle for position and momentum. And this is a huge test prior to the FIFA Club World Cup break. Meanwhile, as Messi and Suárez are writing their history in Miami, the team's defense is writing quite a different narrative, and that is the narrative of perpetual risk.
Historic Messi, the match winner Suárez
Lionel Messi's performance against Montréal was yet another for the record books. On account of two goals and a helping hand, the Argentine has achieved 50 goals during MLS regular seasons, the first-ever Inter Miami player to reach this milestone. Suárez, with the same goal tally and assist in the match (2 goals and 1 assist), tied with Leonardo Campana as the club's joint-second top scorer with 32 goals across competitions.
It is impossible not to be impressed by the symbolism. Two of the greatest players the game has ever known, former teammates at Barcelona now going their separate ways and blazing new trails in a significantly different environment. The problem is, even when they give a lot, the system as a whole still has glaring weaknesses.
The cost of a good attack and a defense in desperate need of support
Records notwithstanding, the side is afflicted with a defense that instills no confidence. They've allowed 15 goals in their previous five games, three per match on average. While the offense has mustered 11 goals during the same time, the disparity is evident. Against Montréal in their match, the side established a commanding lead but once again conceded space that led to the opposing team's reply.
Without the depth of the backline, the team is too dependent upon the attacking wizardry of Messi and Suárez. Is that something that holds up to the end of a league designed with a long regular season? Maybe for a while. But against knockout competition, or against more disciplined foes, like Columbus Crew, things become problematic.
Columbus on losing streak but ready to face the Herons
The Crew is not at their strongest right now. They come into this match winless in their last five, drawing four and losing just one since May. Columbus has their top threat with their striker Diego Rossi. He has 11 goal-creating efforts (8 goals, 3 assists) already and will seek to continue that.
There is hope for a return to form for Daniel Gázdag, yet to score in eight games since he transferred to the club from Philadelphia Union in a highly touted move. Columbus must get back to winning, and what better opportunity than against the league's top-profile club on the road?