MIAMI — The anticipated fireworks display at NU Stadium to mark Inter Miami‘s first win has been postponed for another week.
Miami needed to rally after going down a goal against the New England Revolution, with Germán Berterame scoring a rebound in the 76th minute, leading to their third draw at home since the stadium’s opening on April 4.
A lot can change in a month. It’s been three weeks since co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas celebrated the club’s move to its new permanent location, and 13 days have passed since manager Javier Mascherano stepped down for “personal reasons.” However, that brief period hasn’t been enough to resolve Miami’s ongoing challenges.
Interim manager Guillermo Hoy, who previously coached Messi as a teenager at Barcelona before he joined the first team, guided the team to two wins in his first two games but saw old issues resurface against New England.
In those initial victories against the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, the team displayed a higher level of intensity, which defender Ian Fray attributed to players striving to impress their new coach. “When a new coach comes in, everyone elevates their performance to earn a starting spot,” Fray noted following Hoy’s appointment.
This intensity was present in the first half of Saturday’s match. By halftime, Miami dominated possession with 78% and forced New England goalkeeper Matt Turner into five crucial saves. The attacking lineup of Berterame, Luis Suárez, and Messi effectively pushed New England back, with Rodrigo De Paul showcasing his nickname “motorcito” (the little engine) in midfield.
“Rodrigo had a phenomenal game physically, putting out tremendous energy. He connected well with Leo and Suárez to create triangular passing patterns; in the first half, it was just about getting the final touch right, and we came close,” Hoyos commented.
However, after the teams were level, fatigue set in, leading to mistakes. Inter Miami players began to lose possession in critical areas, and New England’s persistence caused errors from defenders Maxi Falcon and Micael, one of which allowed New England to take the lead in the 56th minute.
Despite Miami leveling the score when Berterame tapped in a saved shot from Suárez, the team’s fatigue hindered their ability to mount a serious challenge in the second half. By the final whistle, Messi exited slowly down the tunnel, his face reflecting disappointment.
Hoyos, like Mascherano, sought to combat the team’s weariness by calling upon substitutes, but the ongoing lack of depth remains a significant issue for Miami.
The squad is already suffering from absences, with five starters sidelined due to suspensions and injuries, limiting Hoyos’ options further. He ultimately turned to academy players Preston Plambeck and Cesar Abadia-Reda, who joined on short-term loans from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team, Inter Miami CF II.
While Hoyos can raise the team’s intensity, addressing the depth problem will require time.
Sources have indicated that multiple factors contributed to Mascherano’s departure, including the team’s elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, high expectations both on and off the pitch, and his ambition to conclude his tenure with a title, specifically the 2025 MLS Cup.
It remains uncertain how long Hoyos will lead the first team, as sources have confirmed that Inter Miami is not currently seeking a replacement, likely waiting until after this summer’s FIFA World Cup to reassess. Major League Soccer will pause for a World Cup break from May 25 to July 16, allowing the front office time to contemplate the next steps without the pressure to achieve immediate results.
Nonetheless, Hoyos asserted his commitment to the club, stating, “I am here for the club’s needs, even though my role has changed. I’m ready to contribute however I can, as we find ourselves on the front lines, so to speak.”
Hoyos and his squad will prepare for their upcoming match against Orlando City next week. Until then, the celebratory preparations at NU Stadium will have to remain on hold.