Lionel Messi 'sits down' goalkeeper to score, leads Inter Miami to 5-1 win
Lionel Messi delivered a stunning performance, scoring twice and setting up two more goals as Inter Miami thumped the New York Red Bulls 5-1 at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The Argentine captain was in full control throughout the game, while Jordi Alba and Telasco Segovia also stepped up.
Alba contributed a goal and two assists, while Segovia netted a brace as Inter Miami cruised to a big win.
The Red Bulls took an early lead in the 15th minute through Alexander Hack, but Alba brought Inter Miami level nine minutes later with a powerful strike from a tight angle after receiving a perfect pass from Messi. It was Messi's eighth assist of the MLS season, and Alba's first goal of the 2025 regular season.
Inter Miami quickly turned the match around as Segovia made it 2-1 in the 27th minute.
Messi clipped the ball to Alba on the left, who squared it to Segovia for a calm finish from the centre of the box. It was Segovia's sixth goal this season.
He then added his second just before half-time to give the visitors a 3-1 lead going into the break.
In the second half, Messi scored again in the 60th minute, finishing off a smooth team move. Alba headed the ball to Busquets, who played a clever through pass for Messi. The forward rounded the keeper and slotted it in for his 17th league goal of the season.
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Messi wasn't done yet. In the 75th minute, Suarez crossed from the left and Messi smashed a half-volley into the net for his 18th goal of the season. With that, he now leads the Golden Boot race. Suarez's assist was his 10th in the 2025 MLS season.
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Messi also entered the history books on Saturday, becoming just the fifth player in MLS to record at least 35 goals and 25 assists over a two-year span. He joins Robbie Keane, Sebastian Giovinco, Carlos Vela, and Cucho Hernández.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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