Lionel Messi delivered yet another reminder of why he remains football’s ultimate game-changer, scoring twice and assisting twice as Inter Miami crushed the New York Red Bulls 5–1 in their latest MLS clash.
After stumbling in a heavy loss to FC Cincinnati last week — a match that ended Messi’s incredible multi-goal streak — the Argentine captain responded in emphatic fashion, orchestrating Miami’s biggest win of the season so far.
⚡ Early Shock for Miami
The match didn’t start according to plan for Miami. The Red Bulls stunned the visitors by grabbing the lead inside 15 minutes, when defender Alexander Hack powered in a header from a corner. For a moment, it looked like Miami’s defensive frailties would once again be exposed.
🪄 Messi Turns the Tide
But Messi quickly took control. Just ten minutes after going behind, Messi picked out Jordi Alba with a perfectly weighted through-ball. The Spanish full-back raced forward and smashed a low drive into the net to make it 1–1.
Minutes later, Messi’s vision unlocked the Red Bulls again — this time lofting a delicate pass over the defence to find Telasco Segovia, who calmly slotted home to put Miami ahead.
🔥 Second-Half Show
After halftime, Miami shifted gears. Segovia struck again just before the break to extend the lead to 3–1, pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
In the second half, Messi turned scorer once more. In the 60th minute, he dribbled past two defenders and rounded the Red Bulls goalkeeper before tapping into an empty net for his first of the night.
Fifteen minutes later, the Messi–Suárez connection came alive. Luis Suárez, who had been relatively quiet, floated in a precise cross which Messi controlled on his chest before volleying home to complete his brace. By then, the New York crowd could only applaud as Miami made it 5–1.
🗣️ Post-Match Reaction
After the match, Messi downplayed his heroics, praising the team’s collective response after the Cincinnati defeat. Manager Javier Mascherano called the performance “a statement” as Miami tightened their grip at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, for the Red Bulls, the heavy defeat highlighted defensive lapses that have dogged them this season, leaving them mid-table and desperate for consistency.
📊 Key Stats
- Messi now has six multi-goal games in his last seven MLS appearances, reaffirming his record-breaking form in the league.
- Telasco Segovia’s brace means he has scored four goals in the last three matches.
- Inter Miami’s five-goal haul is their biggest away win since Messi joined the squad.
📅 What’s Next?
Inter Miami next face Orlando City at home, hoping to extend their lead at the top. The Red Bulls will try to regroup quickly before taking on Atlanta United.
