Inter Miami mired in rough stretch entering match vs. CF Montreal

CF Montreal and Inter Miami are each trying to build off seemingly positive results as they prepare to clash on Wednesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Defensive struggles continue to plague both teams in this matchup.

Inter Miami (6-3-5, 23 points) is in the midst of its most difficult stretch since Lionel Messi's arrival nearly two years ago, having gone winless in its past four league matches (0-2-2) and winning only one of its past eight matches (1-5-2) across all competitions.

But how much of a spark did Saturday's remarkable comeback to salvage a 3-3 draw at Philadelphia provide Inter Miami? Messi's signature free kick strike for his team-leading sixth goal in the 87th minute, and Telasco Segovia's goal in stoppage time saved the Herons from falling further in the Eastern Conference standings.

Miami enters the week in seventh place, but within four points of third place with two matches this week including a home clash against one of the teams tied for third - the Columbus Crew. The matches precede a two-week break before Miami competes in the FIFA Club World Cup beginning June 14th.

"We showed character and personality," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the match. "It was another difficult start of the game for us because in the beginning we conceded the goal...but the guys showed they want to fight to get out of this situation."

It's been a tough season overall for Montreal (1-9-5, 8 points), which enters the week in last place in the East. But Montreal is coming off a 2-2 draw with MLS Cup-contending LAFC this past Saturday.

Montreal, however, nearly had its second victory of the season after storming out to a 2-0 advantage on goals by Giacomo Vrioni and Prince Owusu in the first 22 minutes before LAFC struck twice, including the equalizer from Olivier Giroud in the 77th minute. Owusu leads Montreal with three goals this season.

"Coming into this game, we were expecting a big challenge, which we got, but I think we dealt with it well," said Montreal defender Jalen Neal. "Once again, we showed the level that we can actually play at. I don't think the negative results last week really showed who we are as a team."