Fans Criticize Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Teammate Tadeo Allende After Playoff Defeat to Nashville SC
Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nashville SC in Game 2 of their first-round MLS playoff series on Saturday, November 1, a match that saw Lionel Messi’s teammate Tadeo Allende come under heavy fire from fans for his performance.
Allende had a night to forget as his poor finishing and missed chances arguably cost the Herons a chance to close out the series early. Inter Miami had cruised to a 3-1 win in Game 1 just eight days earlier, with Messi scoring a brace. The team only needed another win at Geodis Park to secure their first-ever MLS Cup playoff series victory.
However, the match got off to a shaky start for Inter Miami. Within the opening nine minutes, they found themselves behind. Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo came off his line to challenge Sam Surridge in a one-on-one situation but ended up bringing the English forward down. Nashville was awarded a penalty, which Surridge calmly converted to put the hosts ahead.
Inter Miami rallied as the first half progressed and had chances to level the score. Allende, in particular, should have restored parity just after the half-hour mark but missed a close-range opportunity. Miami’s problems increased just before halftime when Josh Bauer headed in a corner to extend Nashville’s lead to 2-0.
The Herons came out strong in the second half, pushing hard to mount a comeback. They managed to halve the deficit in the final minute when Lionel Messi smashed a left-footed shot into the net. Unfortunately for Miami, it was too little, too late.
Beyond his missed chance, Allende’s overall performance raised eyebrows. He lost possession seven times and won only two out of seven duels, prompting fans to express their frustration on social media platforms.
One fan tweeted, “Why is Allende on this team?” while another wrote, “Allende gotta be better than this. I’m speechless.” Others were more critical, with one asking, “Any explanation why Mascherano keeps playing Allende every damn game?? He contributes nothing to the team! He’s terrible.”
Some went as far as blaming Allende for negative impacts on other players, with a fan saying, “Allende is going to be the reason Alba and Busquets retire from football early on the 8th 💔.” Another user questioned, “Is Allende employed to always miss crucial chances?” One harsh comparison labeled him “Nunez in disguise,” likening him to former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
Inter Miami Head Coach Javier Mascherano Reacts to Officiating
Following the disappointing loss, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano expressed his frustrations with the refereeing during the match. He was particularly upset by the officials’ decision not to use VAR on the penalty conceded by goalkeeper Ríos Novo.
“I’d rather not comment on the refereeing,” Mascherano stated. “I know how the system works, and I don’t want to give anyone an excuse to come after me. But I’m surprised they didn’t go to VAR — the tool is there, and I don’t understand why they didn’t use it.”
Next Steps in the Playoff Series
Inter Miami’s loss to Nashville means the playoff series will now extend to a decisive Game 3. Both teams will face off once again with a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals on the line. Fans and players alike will be eagerly awaiting to see whether Messi and the Herons can bounce back and advance in the postseason.
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