Lionel Messi has urged Inter Miami to remain "united" as his team's difficult streak persisted with a 3-0 loss at home to Orlando City in the MLS.

This defeat in the Florida derby marked Inter Miami's fifth loss in seven games across all competitions, causing them to slip to sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The 37-year-old Argentine forward, a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, managed only two shots on target and mishandled a free-kick in a lackluster performance.

"Now we'll see if we're truly a team during tough times, because it's easy when things are going well," Messi stated.

"In difficult moments, we must be more united than ever, act as a real team, and regroup."

Orlando took the lead just before halftime via Luis Muriel, followed by second-half goals from Marco Pasalic and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson.

Inter Miami, who led the Eastern Conference last season, have allowed 20 goals in their last seven games, with their only win coming against the New York Red Bulls.

This poor run occurs ahead of their participation in next month's Club World Cup in the United States.

Head coach Javier Mascherano, who assumed the role at Inter Miami in November, echoed Messi's sentiments.

"In this situation, if everyone starts pulling in different directions, it's impossible to recover," Mascherano said.

"It's evident that we need to overcome this together, as this team has demonstrated its potential, especially early in the season."

Meanwhile, defending champions LA Galaxy, who have had the worst start to an MLS season on record, staged a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to draw with Los Angeles FC.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Germany striker Marco Reus netted twice, but LA Galaxy remain winless and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with four points.