Inter Miami’s struggles at Nu Stadium continued last night with even Lionel Messi failing to provide any inspiration in the 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution.
Messi did not manage a goal or an assist for the second successive game as Miami slipped three points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, who beat Charlotte 4-2.
Miami are now winless in three games at their new home but unbeaten in nine overall.
Carles Gill put New England in front after 56 minutes but the hosts equalised with 14 minutes to go when Matt Turner could only parry Luis Suarez’s shot into the path of German Berterame and the Mexico striker fired home.
Inter Miami boss Hoyos praises players
Despite the setback, interim boss Guillermo Hoyos was pleased with his players with the game coming on the back of two away wins at Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids.
“I want to once again highlight the group’s efforts this week, what they’ve given and how they’ve performed against two intense teams, including one at high altitude,” he said. “I truly want to congratulate them after seven days of tough competition.”
Messi struggled to make much of an impact, although he was twice denied by United States goalkeeper Turner with shots from the edge of the penalty area. The Argentina captain also spurned an excellent chance seven minutes before half-time, poking tamely wide when well placed.
Messi leaves centre stage to Berterame
It was left to Berterame to take centre stage with his third goal in four games, a run that enhances his claims for a place in Mexico’s World Cup squad.
Hoyos added: “How could Berterame not get called up to the national team? He absolutely has to go. If it were up to me, I’d put him on the squad.
“He’s a player who has scored goals everywhere he’s gone. He is a natural goalscorer, an excellent player, and an excellent human being.”
