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<ul><li>Messi’s scoring streak came to an end</li><li>They’ll visit NY Red Bulls on Saturday</li><li>Miami currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'We’re carrying a heavy load' - Javier Mascherano admits Inter Miami’s fatigue a factor in tough road loss to Cincinnati, as Leo Messi's scoring streak snapped

<p>Inter Miami hit a rough patch after weeks of strong performances, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-player-ratings-fc-cincinnati-lionel-messi-rodrigo-de-paul-leo-mls/blt5447d54a05b534d0" target="_blank">falling 3-0 to FC Cincinnati, with Javier Mascherano’s side looking visibly worn down</a>. With a demanding calendar that’s included MLS, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Club World Cup, and the upcoming Leagues Cup, the signs of fatigue were hard to ignore.</p><p>"We were second-best today, no question about it," Mascherano said post-match. "From the opening minutes we struggled to win our duels. Physically, we’re carrying a heavy load, and eventually that shows. Unfortunately, we couldn’t deliver the performance we wanted."</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Cincinnati assigned a man-marking role to contain Messi, who has now played 90 minutes in 11 straight MLS matches - in addition to all four games at the Club World Cup and the last four in the Champions Cup. The heavy workload may be catching up with the Argentine superstar, whose run of five consecutive games with a brace came to an end.</p><p>"They pressed us hard from the start. We never found our rhythm, we weren’t sharp or mentally clear, and they took full advantage. It’s worrying when we lose this way, when the other team dominates from start to finish," Mascherano admitted.</p><p>The coach did point to a brief surge in the second half, shortly after going down 2-0, when Miami nearly got on the scoreboard.</p><p>“That moment could’ve shifted the momentum and given us a spark,” he said. “But it didn’t happen. The result, and especially the way it played out, is concerning. Now we need to reset.”</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi’s magic has often masked Inter Miami’s flaws this season - but not this time. The Argentine had his six-game MLS scoring streak come to an end, including a run of five straight matches with two goals. Despite the quiet night, his numbers remain impressive: 16 goals in 17 league appearances, finding the net in all but five of those matches.</p><p>On the other side of the coin is Luis Suárez, who has struggled to find the net lately. The Uruguayan striker is now on a five-game scoring drought - four in MLS and one at the Club World Cup.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Following their trip to Cincinnati, Inter Miami will face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

'We’re carrying a heavy load' - Javier Mascherano admits Inter Miami’s fatigue a factor in tough road loss to Cincinnati, as Leo Messi's scoring streak snapped | Goal.com

The Herons lost 3-0 at TQL Stadium, snapping a five-game winning streak in MLS as Messi finally held in check

&apos;We’re carrying a heavy load&apos; - Javier Mascherano admits Inter Miami’s fatigue a factor in tough road loss to Cincinnati, as Leo Messi&apos;s scoring streak snapped