Lionel Messi was back on the scoresheet as Inter Miami snapped a three-match losing run with a commanding 4–1 win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night.
The Argentine icon struck the final blow midway through the second half, lashing home a powerful left-footed finish from the centre of the box after a slick one-two with Telasco Segovia. It was Messi’s first goal in nearly a month and his ninth of the campaign in all competitions, providing a timely boost for a Miami side in need of momentum.
The victory offered some welcome respite after a difficult fortnight for Javier Mascherano’s men. Miami had crashed out of the Concacaf Champions Cup following a two-legged semi-final defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and suffered their first MLS loss of the season in a 4–3 thriller away to FC Dallas.
“I understand the frustration—no one feels it more than the coaching staff and players,” Mascherano said post-match. “But it’s part of the growth. This club is still young—five years old. We have high expectations, and rightly so, but we need patience too. Now, we shift focus to MLS and push for top spot, while also preparing for the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup.”
Miami started brightly and opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Fafà Picault. Defender Marcelo Weigandt doubled the lead on the half-hour mark before Luis Suárez broke a nine-match goal drought with a well-taken finish—his first in over a month.
Mascherano was pleased to see the Uruguayan striker back among the goals. “It’s vital for a striker’s confidence. Luis scoring again gives us a big lift,” he added.
The Red Bulls briefly threatened a response when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled one back just before the break. However, Messi’s second-half strike extinguished any hopes of a comeback, ensuring the hosts claimed all three points.
Miami now sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and will travel to face Minnesota United next weekend. Meanwhile, New York’s struggles on the road continue, still without an away win this season after five attempts.