Messi brace helps Inter Miami thrash New York Red Bulls
It was the sixth time in seven matches that the Miami captain has scored multiple goals in a game
Lionel Messi scored his sixth brace in seven matches as Inter Miami thumped New York Red Bulls 5-1 in the MLS.
Messi struck twice in the second-half, as well as providing the assist for Miami’s first, as Javier Mascherano’s side dismantled their New Jersey opponents at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Bouncing back after a 3–0 loss midweek to Eastern Conference league leaders Cincinnati, the win moves Miami up to fifth, seven points adrift of top but having played three games fewer.
A brace, two assists, and a night full of fútbol ♂️ Another #IconOfTheMatch trophy secured @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/FJT31btxmT
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2025
Alexander Hack gave the hosts the lead shortly before the quarter of an hour mark when he prodded home Emil Forsberg’s corner.
Less than 10 minutes later, Miami were level when a sublime reverse pass from Messi allowed Jordi Alba to sneak in round the back of the Red Bulls defence and fire in the equaliser.
Moments later, a similar Messi to Alba link-up down Miami’s left allowed Telasco Segovia to steer the visitors in front before the Venezuelan extended the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Messi then made it four close to the hour mark when he effortlessly rounded goalkeeper Carlos Coronel after being played through by Sergio Busquets.
The Miami captain added a fifth in the 75th-minute, chesting down Luis Suarez’s cross before arrowing the ball into the top corner.
Mascherano heaped praise on the Argentina captain at full-time, calling him a role model and saying that watching him play was a privilege.
“I was with him [Messi] for eight years at Barcelona, with the national team, at airports, hotels – especially in places he hasn’t visited often, people go crazy,” Mascherano said.
“He generates all of this. I think the admiration is total, but it’s not just because of the kind of footballer he is. I think he’s a role model, someone who transcends the sport.
“Any sports fan feels admiration for athletes like Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafael Nadal — people who have made history in their sport. We are very privileged to witness this up close.”