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Match Analysis
Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to Dominant Win Over Red Bulls
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, orchestrating Inter Miami CF's resounding 5-1 comeback victory against the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey. The Argentine maestro was directly involved in four of Miami's goals, netting two himself and providing two crucial assists, igniting a dominant display that showcased the team's potent attacking prowess.
Inter Miami, now holding a record of 12-4-5 (41 points), faced an early setback as the Red Bulls seized a 1-0 lead. However, the Herons swiftly turned the tide with a flurry of goals before halftime. Young talent Telasco Segovia emerged as a key contributor during this period, bagging two goals that helped Inter Miami establish a comfortable 3-1 advantage heading into the break.
This emphatic win marked Inter Miami's sixth victory in their last seven MLS matches, bouncing back strongly after their five-game winning streak was snapped by Cincinnati just days prior. For Messi, it was also the sixth time in his last seven appearances that he found the back of the net twice, further solidifying his consistent impact on the team's success.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the challenges his squad has faced recently, stating, "The reality is we had five games in the last two weeks, four of which were away. It is a complicated stage, especially because of the travel and the lack of rest between games." He added that the Cincinnati game was a "reflection of the exhaustion," but expressed optimism for the upcoming week, which will allow for rest and the return of injured players.
The New York Red Bulls (9-9-6, 33 points) were unable to secure consecutive home wins and succumbed to Inter Miami for the second time this season. Despite their loss, Mascherano's team remains a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, currently in fifth place, six points adrift of Philadelphia but with three games in hand due to their upcoming participation in the Club World Cup.
The Red Bulls initially drew first blood in the 15th minute when Emil Forsberg's corner kick found Alexander Hack, who managed to head the ball home despite tight marking from Federico Redondo. This early strike put Miami on the back foot, but it ultimately served as a catalyst for their explosive offensive response.
Inter Miami's comeback began in the 24th minute when Jordi Alba, making his second start of the season with Oscar Ustari sidelined by injury, scored his first MLS goal of the season off a precise cross from Messi, leveling the score at 1-1. Just three minutes later, the Herons took the lead for good. Luis Suarez, who had assisted on the first goal, initiated the play by sending the ball to Messi, who then quickly directed it to Alba. Alba's subsequent cross found Segovia, who easily slotted it into the net. Segovia then added his second goal in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a rebound to extend Miami's lead to 3-1.
Messi cemented the victory with two more goals in the 60th and 75th minutes, much to the delight of the numerous Inter Miami supporters in attendance. Mascherano, having spent years alongside Messi, commented on the global phenomenon, saying, "I don't think it's only because of his football talent, but because of his admiration as an athlete and the way he's transcended football." Messi's prolific form continues, with his MLS goal tally rising to 18 this season and his total goal contributions reaching 27. He has now amassed 40 goals in MLS since joining the league in the summer of 2023.