Lionel Messi’s goal — which won’t make any of his career highlight reels — gave Loons fans a thrill (and a scare) when he slotted in a shot to cut MNUFC’s lead to 2-1 in the 48th minute. MNUFC (6-2-4, 22 points) went on to nullify the threat with two more goals and hand Miami (6-2-3, 21 points) only its second loss on the season.

At least top 100, maybe top 50,” said Michael Boxall, asked to rank this win in Minnesota United history. Postgame, the Loons were pretty quick to play off Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Inter Miami, over Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba,

Lionel Messi reached uncharted territory with Inter Miami CF on Saturday afternoon, as the Herons fell 4–1 to Minnesota United on Matchday 12 of the MLS regular season. For the first time since the Argentine joined the club in the summer of 2023, he was on the pitch for a loss of three or more goals, even as he scored in a short comeback effort.