Javier Mascherano says Inter Miami are “still learning” after their humbling exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps last week.

Miami were thrashed 5-1 on aggregate across two legs, and a loss to FC Dallas in between ended their 19-match regular-season unbeaten streak – a joint MLS record.

But they bounced back emphatically, cruising to a 4-1 win over the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.

First-half goals from Fafa Picault, Marcelo Weigandt, and Luis Suarez set the tone, with Lionel Messi adding a fourth after the break. Mohammed Sofo pulled one back for the Red Bulls just before the break, but it proved little more than consolation.

Speaking after the match, Mascherano stressed the importance of returning to winning ways, while acknowledging his side are still growing.

“It was a very physically demanding game, we needed it. It was important to get back to a good feeling,” Mascherano said.

“I’m the one who’s frustrated, along with the players, for not reaching the [CONCACAF Champions Cup] final.

“But you have to remember, Inter Miami hasn’t had many opportunities to play games like these. We’re still learning. The results will come in the future. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

“Greatness comes from big nights, from victories, comebacks, and even from mistakes. We’ll keep pushing because we believe this team can compete.

The Argentine added: “We’re going to fight for the top spots in the Eastern Conference, and then we’ll see what comes with the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup.

“But right now, the most important game is the next one.”

Miami now sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, just three points off Columbus Crew at the top.

Minnesota United, meanwhile, enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austin FC last weekend to move up to second in the Western Conference standings, though Vancouver maintain a healthy seven-point lead.

Anthony Markanich and Joaquin Pereyra were on target for the hosts, with an own goal from Ilie Sanchez helping to round off a ruthless win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Tani Oluwaseyi

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Oluwaseyi was pivotal in Minnesota’s win over Austin last weekend. The Canadian international had seven shots, four on target, and led his side with 0.32 expected goals (xG).

He has found the net five times and provided two assists in 10 MLS matches this season.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi ended a run of four straight games in all competitions, all starts, without a goal contribution by scoring against NY Red Bulls on Saturday.

The four straight starts without a goal contribution in club play was his longest stretch since a five-match run with Barcelona in March-April 2016.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Despite their loss to Vancouver, Miami come into Saturday’s clash as favourites. They have lost only one of their last 18 regular-season away matches dating back to last season, including going unbeaten in nine straight. Only four teams in the post-shootout era (since 2000) have recorded a road unbeaten streak of 10 or more consecutive games.

Minnesota, though, will still fancy their chances owing to some good recent form. After a season-opening loss to LAFC, the hosts have lost only one of their last 10 regular-season matches (W5 D4). Their 3-0 win at Austin was their MLS-leading sixth clean sheet of the season.

The only previous meeting between Minnesota United and Inter Miami ended in a 2-1 win for Miami in St. Paul in June 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 30.6%

Draw – 25.0%

Inter Miami – 44.4%