Lionel Messi produced a masterful performance with two goals and two assists, leading Inter Miami to a resounding 5-1 comeback victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
After falling behind early, Inter Miami (12-4-5, 41 points) unleashed an offensive barrage, with Messi at the heart of the action. The win gets the Herons back on track after their midweek loss to FC Cincinnati snapped a five-game winning streak.
The Red Bulls (9-9-6, 33 points) initially took the lead in the 15th minute when defender Alexander Hack converted from an Emil Forsberg corner kick.
However, Miami responded decisively. Jordi Alba leveled the score in the 24th minute, finishing off a cross from Messi for his first MLS goal of the season. Just three minutes later, Miami took the lead for good when a swift move involving Luis Suarez and Messi ended with Alba setting up Telasco Segovia for a simple finish. Segovia scored his second of the night in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on a rebound to give the visitors a commanding 3-1 lead at the break.
Messi then sealed the dominant victory with two second-half goals, scoring in the 60th and 75th minutes to take his MLS season tally to 18 goals and 27 total goal contributions.
Inter Miami controlled the game statistically, outshooting the Red Bulls 8-1 in shots on target. Goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, making his second start of the season in place of the injured Oscar Ustari, was largely untroubled after the opening goal.
The victory solidifies Inter Miami’s strong position in the Eastern Conference, while the Red Bulls were unable to build on their previous home win.
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