Inter Miami 4-1 Red Bulls: Messi’s Goal and Assist Seal Dominant Win.

Inter Miami 4-1 Red Bulls: Messi’s Goal and Assist Seal Dominant Win.

Inter Miami 4-1 New York Red Bulls: Lionel Messi Shines With Goal and Assist as Herons Return to Winning Ways.
                    On May 3, 2025, Inter Miami delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium, rebounding from a rare defeat to FC Dallas and solidifying their position atop the MLS Eastern Conference with a 6-1-3 record.

Lionel Messi, the talismanic Argentine, was at the heart of the Herons’ triumph, contributing a goal and an assist to take his season tally to three goals and two assists in six MLS matches. Fafà Picault, Marcelo Weigandt, and Luis Suárez also found the net, while Mohammed Sofo scored a consolation for the Red Bulls (4-4-3). The match, attended by NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr., showcased Inter Miami’s attacking prowess and Messi’s enduring brilliance, as he reached 63 goal involvements in 53 appearances for the club.

First Half: Inter Miami’s Early Dominance

Inter Miami wasted no time asserting their authority, with their high-pressing style and fluid attacking play overwhelming the Red Bulls from the opening whistle. The Herons’ first goal came in the ninth minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Goal: Inter Miami 1-0 New York Red Bulls (Fafà Picault, 9th minute)
The Red Bulls’ defense struggled to clear their lines, leading to a turnover deep in their half. Right-back Marcelo Weigandt seized the opportunity, delivering a looping cross from the right flank. Luis Suárez, positioned near the penalty spot, flicked a deft header to the back post, where Fafà Picault met the ball with a clinical half-volley. Picault’s strike, his second goal in as many games, gave Inter Miami an early 1-0 lead and highlighted their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.

The Red Bulls, managed by Sandro Schwarz, attempted to regroup, relying on the energy of midfielder Daniel Edelman and the pace of winger Lewis Morgan. However, Inter Miami’s midfield, anchored by Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo, stifled their opponents’ transitions, while Messi’s movement between the lines created constant problems. The Herons’ second goal arrived in the 30th minute, further exposing New York’s defensive frailties.

Goal: Inter Miami 2-0 New York Red Bulls (Marcelo Weigandt, 30th minute)
Messi initiated the move with a trademark dribble, drawing two defenders before releasing Picault on the right. Picault’s cutback found Weigandt, whose initial shot from close range was blocked by goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. The Argentine full-back reacted quickest, tapping in the rebound from point-blank range to double Inter Miami’s lead. The goal underscored Weigandt’s attacking instincts and Inter Miami’s relentless pressure, with the hosts generating an expected goals (xG) total of 1.8 in the first half alone.

Inter Miami’s third goal, scored in the 39th minute, effectively put the game out of reach before halftime.

Goal: Inter Miami 3-0 New York Red Bulls (Luis Suárez, 39th minute)
Tadeo Allende, making his first start of the season, rolled a precise cross from the left wing to Suárez in the center of the penalty area. The Uruguayan’s one-touch shot was parried by Coronel, but Suárez pounced on the rebound, slotting the ball into the left corner of the six-yard box. The goal, Suárez’s first since March 2, showcased his poacher’s instinct and restored his confidence after a recent goal drought. Inter Miami’s 3-0 lead reflected their dominance, with 12 shots (5 on target) and 58% possession in the first half.

The Red Bulls, however, pulled one back just before the break, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from Inter Miami.

Goal: Inter Miami 3-1 New York Red Bulls (Mohammed Sofo, 43rd minute)
Omar Valencia’s corner kick was whipped to the back post, where Mohammed Sofo outjumped his marker, Noah Eile. Sofo’s header, directed back across goal, caught goalkeeper Drake Callender off guard and nestled inside the near post. The goal gave the Red Bulls a lifeline, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and boosting their hopes of a second-half comeback.

Second Half: Messi Seals the Deal

Inter Miami emerged from the halftime break with renewed intensity, determined to quash any hopes of a Red Bulls revival. The Herons maintained their high press, with Busquets and Redondo dictating the tempo and Messi dropping deep to orchestrate attacks. The Red Bulls, despite introducing Emil Forsberg as a substitute, struggled to create clear chances, with their xG limited to 0.9 for the match.

The defining moment came in the 67th minute, when Messi put the result beyond doubt with a moment of individual brilliance.

Goal: Inter Miami 4-1 New York Red Bulls (Lionel Messi, 67th minute)
A slick interchange between Messi and Telasco Segovia carved open the Red Bulls’ defense. Segovia’s through ball found Messi inside the penalty area, where he used his right hip to fend off defender Noah Eile. With characteristic composure, Messi unleashed a left-footed strike that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Coronel with no chance. The goal, Messi’s third in MLS this season, was assisted by Segovia and marked his fifth goal involvement in six league matches. It also brought his Inter Miami tally to 63 goal contributions (35 goals, 28 assists) in 53 appearances across all competitions.

Messi’s influence extended beyond his goal. In the 55th minute, he provided a pinpoint assist for Picault, whose header was tipped over by Coronel. The Argentine’s vision and movement consistently stretched the Red Bulls’ backline, creating space for teammates like Allende and Suárez. Inter Miami’s control was evident in their 18 total shots (8 on target) and 2.4 xG, compared to the Red Bulls’ 7 shots (2 on target) and 1.1 xG.

The Red Bulls pushed for a second goal, with Forsberg testing Callender from distance in the 73rd minute, but Inter Miami’s defense, led by Tomás Avilés and Ryan Sailor, held firm. Late substitutions, including Diego Gómez and Julian Gressel, ensured the Herons saw out the game comfortably, securing a 4-1 victory that reaffirmed their status as MLS Cup contenders.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Picault’s Early Strike (9th minute): Fafà Picault’s half-volley set the tone, exploiting the Red Bulls’ shaky defending and giving Inter Miami an immediate advantage.

Weigandt’s Opportunistic Goal (30th minute): Marcelo Weigandt’s tap-in doubled the lead, showcasing Inter Miami’s ability to punish defensive errors.

Suárez’s Rebound Finish (39th minute): Luis Suárez’s first goal in over two months restored his confidence and gave Inter Miami a commanding 3-0 lead.

Sofo’s Header (43rd minute): Mohammed Sofo’s well-taken header from a corner kept the Red Bulls in the game, exposing a rare lapse in Inter Miami’s set-piece defending.

Messi’s Clinical Strike (67th minute): Lionel Messi’s top-corner finish sealed the victory, highlighting his unmatched quality and composure.

Player Performances

Lionel Messi (9/10): A goal, an assist, and constant threat. His 67th-minute strike was a masterclass in technique, and his playmaking created numerous chances.

Fafà Picault (8/10): Scored the opener and was a menace on the left, linking well with Messi and Allende.

Luis Suárez (7/10): Ended his goal drought with a poacher’s finish, though he missed a couple of earlier chances.

Marcelo Weigandt (8/10): Scored and provided an assist, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair.

Sergio Busquets (7/10): Controlled the midfield with his trademark composure, completing 92% of his passes.

Drake Callender (6/10): Beaten by Sofo’s header but made a key save to deny Forsberg late on.

Mohammed Sofo (7/10, Red Bulls): Scored a fine header and was a rare bright spot for the visitors.

Tactical Analysis

Under Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Inter Miami deployed their usual 4-3-3 formation, with Messi roaming centrally behind Suárez and Picault drifting wide to stretch the defense. Busquets and Redondo provided a solid base, allowing Segovia to push forward and link with Messi. The Herons’ high press, led by Suárez and Picault, forced turnovers, while their quick transitions exploited the Red Bulls’ high defensive line. Weigandt and Allende’s overlapping runs added width, creating space for Messi to operate in the half-spaces.

The Red Bulls, in a 4-2-3-1, relied on Morgan and Sofo to provide pace on the flanks, with Edelman and Frankie Amaya tasked with breaking up Inter Miami’s rhythm. However, their inability to cope with Messi’s movement and Busquets’ passing left them exposed, particularly in the first half. Schwarz’s decision to introduce Forsberg at halftime added creativity, but the Red Bulls’ lack of cutting edge limited their comeback hopes.

Impact on the MLS Standings

The victory moved Inter Miami to 19 points from 10 matches, maintaining their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. Their goal difference of +12 reflects their attacking prowess, with 22 goals scored in MLS this season. The Red Bulls, with 15 points from 11 matches, remain in mid-table, struggling for consistency after a promising start.

Messi’s Inter Miami Legacy

Messi’s performance against the Red Bulls further cemented his transformative impact on Inter Miami. Since joining in July 2023, the 37-year-old has been directly involved in 63 goals (35 goals, 28 assists) in 53 matches across all competitions, including the Leagues Cup and MLS Cup playoffs. His 2025 MLS campaign, despite a minor ankle injury in March, has seen him contribute to 50% of Inter Miami’s league goals (5 of 10 involvements). His ability to deliver in clutch moments, as evidenced by his top-corner strike, underscores why he remains the linchpin of Martino’s project.
Celebrity Presence

The match attracted high-profile spectators, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and free-agent NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Their presence highlights Inter Miami’s growing global appeal, largely driven by Messi’s star power. Mahomes, a known soccer fan, was seen interacting with Martino post-match, while Beckham Jr. posed for photos with fans, adding to the electric atmosphere at Chase Stadium.

What’s Next?

Inter Miami’s next challenge is a road trip to face Orlando City on May 10, 2025, where they aim to extend their unbeaten streak against their Florida rivals. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, host the New England Revolution on May 9, seeking to regain momentum after back-to-back defeats. For Inter Miami, the focus remains on maintaining their Eastern Conference lead while preparing for a potential Leagues Cup defense in July.

Key Statistics

Shots: Inter Miami 18 (8 on target), New York Red Bulls 7 (2 on target)

Possession: Inter Miami 56%, Newliterally York Red Bulls 44%

xG: Inter Miami 2.4, New York Red Bulls 1.1

Passes Completed: Inter Miami 512, New York Red Bulls 398

Fouls: Inter Miami 10, New York Red Bulls 14

Yellow Cards: Inter Miami 1 (Weigandt), New York Red Bulls 2 (Eile, Amaya)

Inter Miami’s 4-1 rout of the New York Red Bulls was a statement of intent, with Lionel Messi’s goal and assist stealing the show. Supported by Picault, Weigandt, and Suárez, the Herons showcased their attacking depth and resilience, bouncing back from their first loss of the season.

The Red Bulls, despite Sofo’s spirited effort, were outclassed by Inter Miami’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing. As the MLS season progresses, Messi’s brilliance continues to elevate Inter Miami, positioning them as favorites for the MLS Cup and beyond. With NFL stars in attendance and a global audience watching, this match was a reminder of the Argentine’s unmatched ability to captivate and inspire.