Lionel Messi reminded the world of his brilliance with a stunning performance as Inter Miami crushed New York Red Bulls 5-1 in an electric MLS clash on Saturday night.
The Argentine maestro, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during Miami’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati in midweek, delivered a vintage display at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
The night started with a scare for Gerardo Martino’s side as the Red Bulls took an unexpected lead. Defender Alexander Hack bundled the ball into the net in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the home side a shock advantage.
However, it didn’t take long for Messi to take control of the game. In the 24th minute, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up possession outside the box and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba. The Spaniard made no mistake, slotting the ball past Carlos Coronel to level the scores.
Just three minutes later, Messi was the architect again. This time, he combined superbly with Alba on the left wing. Alba’s low cross found Telasco Segovia, who made a sharp run into the box and poked the ball home to make it 2-1 for Inter Miami.
The floodgates opened, and Miami’s confidence soared. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Segovia completed his brace. Picking up a loose ball at the edge of the area, the Uruguayan midfielder rifled a low shot into the bottom corner, giving Miami a commanding 3-1 lead heading into the break.
If the first half was about Messi the creator, the second half became a showcase for Messi the finisher. In the 60th minute, Sergio Busquets — another of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates — sliced open the Red Bulls’ defense with a brilliant through ball. Messi latched onto it, glided past the onrushing Coronel with a composed feint, and coolly slotted the ball into the empty net for 4-1.
The Inter Miami faithful, who had made the trip in large numbers, erupted in celebration, chanting Messi’s name as he raised his arms in acknowledgment.
Yet, Messi wasn’t done. In the 74th minute, another Barcelona reunion played out to perfection. Luis Suarez, operating on the left wing, whipped in a teasing cross that Messi controlled with a deft touch before smashing a powerful finish beyond Coronel from close range.
Six braces in his last seven games? Messi things. pic.twitter.com/licMBu71GU
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2025
It was Messi’s second of the night, sealing the emphatic 5-1 scoreline and capping off a night of pure attacking masterclass from Inter Miami.
The win marks a strong response from Miami following their Cincinnati setback and reinforces their position as one of the favorites for the MLS Cup this season. With Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets all clicking, Gerardo Martino’s side looks increasingly dangerous heading into the business end of the campaign.
Messi’s latest brace also took his goal tally for the season to 18, with the Argentine continuing to prove why he remains one of the most lethal forwards in world football. His vision, composure, and finishing ability — coupled with his seamless connection with his former Barcelona teammates — make Inter Miami a team that few opponents will relish facing.
The Red Bulls, despite their promising start, were simply overwhelmed by the visitors’ relentless attacking waves and pinpoint passing. Their early lead was quickly erased, and they found themselves chasing shadows for most of the match as Miami controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
With this win, Inter Miami sends a strong message to the rest of the MLS — they are here not just to compete but to dominate. As long as Lionel Messi continues to deliver at this level, the Herons’ quest for silverware remains very much alive.
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