Lionel Messi has urged Inter Miami to stay “united” as his side’s miserable run continued with a 3-0 defeat at home to Orlando City in the MLS.

The loss in the Florida derby was Miami’s fifth in seven games in all competitions as they dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Argentina forward Messi, 37, who is a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, had just two shots on target and scuffed a free-kick in a subdued performance.

“Now we’ll truly see if we’re a team in difficult times, because when everything’s going well it’s very easy,” said Messi.

“When difficult times come, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a true team, and pull ourselves together.”

Orlando went ahead just before half-time through Luis Muriel, before second-half goals from Marco Pasalic and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson.

Miami, who topped last season’s Eastern Conference, have conceded 20 goals in their last seven games with their only victory coming against the New York Red Bulls.

The club’s slump in form comes before their appearance in next month’s Club World Cup in the United States.

Head coach Javier Mascherano, who took over at Miami in November, reiterated captain Messi’s words.

“When you are in this dynamic, if we each start pulling ourselves to the side it’ll be impossible to overcome the moment,” said Mascherano.

“It’s clear that we must overcome this all together because clearly this team has shown, especially at the beginning of the season, what they are capable of.”

Elsewhere, defending champions LA Galaxy, who have made the worst start to an MLS season in history, fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Los Angeles FC.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Germany striker Marco Reus scored twice as Galaxy continued their winless campaign with his side bottom of the Western Conference on four points.