ESPN FC Futbol Americas: Inter Miami Loss Fallout + The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly + USMNT #9s Making News + Concern for Pulisic's Form
Feb 24, 2026
They break down the fallout from Inter Miami’s loss, including Messi’s postgame tunnel incident. MLS Week 1 highlights get a rapid-fire good, bad, and ugly rundown. Transfers and form of USMNT forwards are debated, from Sargent’s move to Balogun’s hot streak and Pepi’s return. They close by questioning Christian Pulisic’s recent goal drought and what it means moving forward.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Messi Showed Rust After Injury Layoff
- Alejandro Moreno and Alexis Nunes observed Messi showed fewer sprints and subpar first touches, suggesting rust from injury and limited preseason.
- Moreno highlighted missed layoffs and turnovers from Messi that are unusual for him, linking it to recent injury absences.
Goalkeeper Indecision Gifted LAFC A Goal
- Alejandro Moreno ridiculed goalkeeper Dane Sinclair's indecision on a cross that led to LAFC's third goal, calling it 'doing nothing' and enabling Denis Buanga to score.
- Moreno described Sinclair standing 'in the middle of nowhere' which allowed Buanga to header over him into goal.
Focus On Current Squad Not Missing Stars
- Managers should focus on players currently available rather than idealizing absentees like Busquets or Jordi Alba.
- Alejandro Moreno urged Javier Mascherano to fix Rodrigo De Paul turnovers instead of blaming missing veterans.