Inter Miami hosted the New York Red Bulls on Saturday in their return to MLS play following a midweek exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Herons bounced back in style with a dominant performance, highlighted by a stunning goal from Lionel Messi in the second half to seal a 4–1 victory.
The home side got off to a fast start at Chase Stadium. In the 9th minute, Marcelo Weigandt intercepted a pass and quickly delivered a cross into the box. Luis Suárez headed it down perfectly for Fafa Picault, who slotted it home to give Miami an early lead. Just minutes later, Picault turned provider, setting up Weigandt for the second goal with a well-placed cross.
Inter Miami extended their lead in the 39th minute when Suarez found the back of the net, ending his recent scoring drought with a finish off a rebound. Though Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled one back in the 43rd to make it 3–1, the visitors struggled to match Miami’s intensity.
In the 67th minute, Messi capped the night with a moment of brilliance. After a slick exchange with Telasco Segovia featuring back-to-back one-twos, the Argentine legend rifled a first-time volley past Carlos Coronel, leaving the goalkeeper no chance and sealing a statement win for the Herons.
GOL DEL MEJOR DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS 🐐✨
With the 4–1 win, Inter Miami climbed to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference with 21 points—just three behind leaders Columbus Crew, who secured a win over Charlotte FC. Importantly, the Herons have one game in hand, keeping the top spot within reach.
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Demanding schedule ahead for Inter Miami
Saturday’s emphatic victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Inter Miami, who snapped a three-game losing streak in all competitions, including setbacks against Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas. It also serves as a timely confidence boost ahead of a grueling stretch.
The Herons will travel to face Minnesota United next week, kicking off a stretch of six matches in just 21 days between May 10 and 31—closing out the first half of the MLS season. With the league set to pause in June for the FIFA Club World Cup, Messi and company will look to build momentum heading into the international stage.
