Inter Miami 2-2 New York Red Bulls
MLS 2026 Regular Season Nu Stadium (Chase Stadium), Miami Saturday, April 11, 2026 Attendance: Sold Out (~25,000).
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami played out a thrilling yet frustrating 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. Despite taking the lead for the first time in their new stadium, a late equalizer from 17-year-old sensation Adri Mehmeti denied the Herons a maiden victory at home.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Red Bulls today.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Red Bulls today.
Match Summary
Inter Miami (3-1-3, 12 points) extended their unbeaten run to six matches but remained winless at Nu Stadium, following last weekend’s opening draw against Austin FC. The Red Bulls (3-2-2) showed resilience, coming from behind after squandering an early lead.
Goals:
15' – Jorge Ruvalcaba (NY Red Bulls)
45+2' – Mateo Silvetti (Inter Miami)
55' – Germán Berterame (Inter Miami, assisted by Lionel Messi)
77' – Adri Mehmeti (NY Red Bulls, first MLS goal)
Messi did not score but played a pivotal creative role, while the headline belonged to two teenagers who stole the show.
Is Lionel Messi playing today? Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls in MLS.
Inter Miami (3-1-3, 12 points) extended their unbeaten run to six matches but remained winless at Nu Stadium, following last weekend’s opening draw against Austin FC. The Red Bulls (3-2-2) showed resilience, coming from behind after squandering an early lead.
Goals:
15' – Jorge Ruvalcaba (NY Red Bulls)
45+2' – Mateo Silvetti (Inter Miami)
55' – Germán Berterame (Inter Miami, assisted by Lionel Messi)
77' – Adri Mehmeti (NY Red Bulls, first MLS goal)
Messi did not score but played a pivotal creative role, while the headline belonged to two teenagers who stole the show.
Is Lionel Messi playing today? Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls in MLS.
Pre-Match Atmosphere and Lineups
The electric pink-filled Nu Stadium buzzed with anticipation for Messi’s first home league appearance in the new venue. Inter Miami, defending MLS Cup champions, aimed to secure their first win on home soil in 2026.
Inter Miami Starting XI: Key inclusions: Lionel Messi, Germán Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, with a strong attacking setup under coach Javier Mascherano.
New York Red Bulls Starting XI: The visitors relied on youth and energy, with teenage talents Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti on the bench initially, ready to impact the game.
Chase Stadium Set to Debut a Whole New Look on March 30 with an Expanded Fan Zone presented by Baptist Health.
The electric pink-filled Nu Stadium buzzed with anticipation for Messi’s first home league appearance in the new venue. Inter Miami, defending MLS Cup champions, aimed to secure their first win on home soil in 2026.
Inter Miami Starting XI: Key inclusions: Lionel Messi, Germán Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, with a strong attacking setup under coach Javier Mascherano.
New York Red Bulls Starting XI: The visitors relied on youth and energy, with teenage talents Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti on the bench initially, ready to impact the game.
Chase Stadium Set to Debut a Whole New Look on March 30 with an Expanded Fan Zone presented by Baptist Health.
Match Timeline & Key Moments
15' – NY Red Bulls 1-0 Inter Miami: Jorge Ruvalcaba The Red Bulls struck first with a well-worked goal. Ruvalcaba finished clinically after a swift counter-attack, exposing spaces in Miami’s early defensive shape. The visitors’ high press paid dividends.
Messi, Inter Miami crush New York Red Bulls in MLS.
15' – NY Red Bulls 1-0 Inter Miami: Jorge Ruvalcaba The Red Bulls struck first with a well-worked goal. Ruvalcaba finished clinically after a swift counter-attack, exposing spaces in Miami’s early defensive shape. The visitors’ high press paid dividends.
Messi, Inter Miami crush New York Red Bulls in MLS.
45+2' – 1-1: Mateo Silvetti Just before halftime, Inter Miami equalized. Silvetti found the net in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on sustained pressure. The goal injected belief into the home crowd as the teams went into the break level.
55' – Inter Miami 2-1 NY Red Bulls: Germán Berterame (Messi Assist) The moment the stadium had been waiting for arrived. Messi dribbled into the box surrounded by four defenders. As the ball was knocked away, it rolled perfectly to an unmarked Berterame on the left. The Mexican striker one-timed it low into the net for his first goal in Inter Miami colors.
Messi was the first to celebrate, wrapping Berterame in a headlock. This was Inter Miami’s first lead at Nu Stadium after nearly 150 minutes of play across two home games.
From RDS to the Red Bulls First Team: Adri Mehmeti.
55' – Inter Miami 2-1 NY Red Bulls: Germán Berterame (Messi Assist) The moment the stadium had been waiting for arrived. Messi dribbled into the box surrounded by four defenders. As the ball was knocked away, it rolled perfectly to an unmarked Berterame on the left. The Mexican striker one-timed it low into the net for his first goal in Inter Miami colors.
Messi was the first to celebrate, wrapping Berterame in a headlock. This was Inter Miami’s first lead at Nu Stadium after nearly 150 minutes of play across two home games.
From RDS to the Red Bulls First Team: Adri Mehmeti.
77' – 2-2: Adri Mehmeti (First MLS Goal) The equalizer came from pure youth magic. 18-year-old Julian Hall danced past defenders near the goal line and delivered a perfect cut-back. 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti slid in to finish, scoring his first senior MLS goal and sending the Red Bulls bench into frenzy.
94' – Messi Free-Kick Denied In stoppage time, Messi stepped up for a 25-yard free kick. His trademark curler was brilliantly saved by Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, preserving the draw.
94' – Messi Free-Kick Denied In stoppage time, Messi stepped up for a 25-yard free kick. His trademark curler was brilliantly saved by Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, preserving the draw.
Adri Mehmeti - The Phenomenal 16 Year Old Wonderkid
Tactical Analysis
Inter Miami’s Performance: Miami dominated large portions of the game, especially after the red card drama was absent and they found rhythm in the second half. Messi’s vision created the go-ahead goal, but defensive lapses allowed the visitors back in. The Herons showed character to come from behind but lacked the clinical edge to hold the lead.
NY Red Bulls’ Strategy: The Red Bulls played with intensity and youth-driven energy. Their early lead came from quick transitions. After falling behind, they remained compact and exploited Miami’s high line with fresh legs from the bench. The teenagers Hall and Mehmeti proved game-changers.
Inter Miami’s Performance: Miami dominated large portions of the game, especially after the red card drama was absent and they found rhythm in the second half. Messi’s vision created the go-ahead goal, but defensive lapses allowed the visitors back in. The Herons showed character to come from behind but lacked the clinical edge to hold the lead.
NY Red Bulls’ Strategy: The Red Bulls played with intensity and youth-driven energy. Their early lead came from quick transitions. After falling behind, they remained compact and exploited Miami’s high line with fresh legs from the bench. The teenagers Hall and Mehmeti proved game-changers.
Statistical Breakdown
Possession: Inter Miami ~62% | NY Red Bulls ~38%
Shots: Miami 14 (6 on target) | Red Bulls 11 (5 on target)
xG (Expected Goals): Roughly even, highlighting the end-to-end nature
Corners: Miami 7 – Red Bulls 4
Fouls: Competitive, with several bookings on both sides
Both teams had goals disallowed for offside in the second half, adding to the drama.
Post-Match Reactions
Lionel Messi (via translator): “We created good chances and took the lead, but we have to be more solid at the back. The new stadium is beautiful, and the fans were incredible. We’ll keep working to get that first win here.”
Inter Miami Coach Javier Mascherano: “Proud of the response after going behind. Berterame’s goal was special, but we conceded a soft equalizer. Still unbeaten in six – we build from here.”
NY Red Bulls Coach: “The kids showed incredible character. Mehmeti’s goal is a dream moment for any young player. A great point against the champions.”
Historical Note: Messi & Mehmeti Connection
On April 8, 2009, a 21-year-old Messi scored two goals for Barcelona in a Champions League match. Just two days later, Adri Mehmeti was born. Seventeen years later, their paths crossed dramatically on an MLS pitch. This storyline captured global headlines.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Red Bulls today.
Player Ratings (Out of 10)
Inter Miami:
Lionel Messi: 8.5 (Creative masterclass, assist)
Germán Berterame: 8.0 (Clinical finish)
Mateo Silvetti: 7.5 (Equalizer)
Defense: 6.0 (Lapses proved costly)
NY Red Bulls:
Adri Mehmeti: 9.0 (Match-winning impact off the bench)
Julian Hall: 8.5 (Superb assist)
Jorge Ruvalcaba: 7.5 (Opened scoring)
Ethan Horvath: 8.0 (Crucial late save)
What This Means for the Standings
Inter Miami stay in the playoff hunt with 12 points from 7 games, showing strong form despite the home win drought. The Red Bulls collected a valuable point on the road, improving to 3-2-2 and demonstrating depth in their squad.
Inter Miami:
Lionel Messi: 8.5 (Creative masterclass, assist)
Germán Berterame: 8.0 (Clinical finish)
Mateo Silvetti: 7.5 (Equalizer)
Defense: 6.0 (Lapses proved costly)
NY Red Bulls:
Adri Mehmeti: 9.0 (Match-winning impact off the bench)
Julian Hall: 8.5 (Superb assist)
Jorge Ruvalcaba: 7.5 (Opened scoring)
Ethan Horvath: 8.0 (Crucial late save)
What This Means for the Standings
Inter Miami stay in the playoff hunt with 12 points from 7 games, showing strong form despite the home win drought. The Red Bulls collected a valuable point on the road, improving to 3-2-2 and demonstrating depth in their squad.
Fan Reactions & Stadium Vibe
The pink-clad crowd created an unforgettable atmosphere. Chants of “Messi! Messi!” echoed throughout, with huge roars for Berterame’s goal. Disappointment at the final whistle was evident, but the entertainment value was undeniable. Social media exploded with clips of Mehmeti’s goal and Messi’s near-magic free kick.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami: Host more home games soon and aim to finally break the Nu Stadium duck while pushing for the top of the Eastern Conference.
NY Red Bulls: Build momentum from this resilient draw and continue integrating young talents into the first team.
This 2-2 thriller showcased why MLS continues to grow in excitement — star power meeting fearless youth. Inter Miami’s search for a home win continues, but the entertainment never stops when Messi is on the pitch.
Key Visuals Integrated: Action shots of Messi, goal celebrations, stadium atmosphere, and young Red Bulls stars. Highlights available on MLS YouTube and official channels for full replay.
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