Inter Miami’s Resounding Victory: Messi’s Magic Ends Losing Streak
In a thrilling display of soccer prowess, Lionel Messi delivered the emphatic final goal that sealed Inter Miami‘s 4-1 triumph over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday. This victory was a much-needed relief for Miami, snapping a three-game losing streak and reigniting their campaign with a bang.
Messi, who had been searching for a goal for nearly a month, found the back of the net with an unstoppable left-footed strike from the center of the box. This came after a brilliant one-two with Telasco Segovia midway through the second half, ensuring a much-needed victory for Miami. The goal was a testament to Messi’s enduring brilliance and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Inter Miami’s recent form had been a cause for concern, with the team losing both legs of its Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against the Vancouver Whitecaps, dashing their hopes of a first continental title. In between, Javier Mascherano’s side also suffered a 4-3 defeat in MLS against FC Dallas, marking their first league loss of the season.
After the match, Mascherano expressed his frustration, saying, “I think that there is already a lot of frustration. The most frustrated is me, the technical staff, the players, for not having reached the final. But we have to learn. I think we learn if in the future the results are different.”
He added, “Rome wasn’t built in two days. And the reality is that there are high expectations and I have no problem that the demands are high. But the club has been here five years. Today we are here to focus on MLS, to go for first position. And then we know what comes with the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup.”
The New York Red Bulls, who had allowed just nine goals in 10 matches before this encounter, were left stunned by Miami’s offensive display. The scoring spree began with Fafà Picault‘s opening goal in the ninth minute. This was followed by a second goal from defender Marcelo Weigandt on the half-hour mark. The excitement continued as Luis Suárez ended his nine-goal scoreless streak, much to the delight of the fans and his teammates.
Mascherano commented on Suárez’s return to form, saying, “The return of Luis Suárez scoring makes us happy because we know that strikers live off the goal. It’s fundamental for their confidence.”
Despite a goal from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for the Red Bulls shortly before halftime, Messi’s team-leading ninth goal of the season in all competitions ensured that it would be no more than a consolation. The result left Miami fourth in the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for their upcoming trip to face Minnesota United in a week’s time.
As for the Red Bulls, their struggles on the road continue, with a record of 4-4-3 and 15 points, remaining winless (0-3-2) away from home this season.
- Inter Miami’s victory ends a three-game losing streak.
- Messi scores his ninth goal of the season.
- Miami is now fourth in the Eastern Conference.
- Red Bulls remain winless on the road this season.
Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and Field Level Media contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
