Inter Miami secured a 3–2 victory over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, marking a winning start for interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos. Captain Lionel Messi delivered a decisive performance, scoring twice to lead his side to victory in a match attended by 75,824 spectators.
Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute from the penalty spot, giving Inter Miami an early advantage. The team doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Just before the interval, Messi produced a flick that found Mateo Silvetti, whose cross was converted by German Berterame with a header.
Colorado Rapids responded strongly after the break. Within four minutes, Rafael Navarro (58’) and Darren Yapi (62’) scored to level the match at 2–2, restoring parity and shifting momentum in favour of the home side.
However, Messi once again proved decisive in the 79th minute. Receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, he advanced into the penalty area from the right flank, evaded three defenders, and finished with a left-footed strike to restore Inter Miami’s lead. That goal ultimately determined the final result.
Due to exceptional demand linked to Messi’s presence, the fixture was relocated to a major NFL stadium in Denver. The attendance of 75,824 spectators represents the second-highest figure in Major League Soccer history.
Match Summary
| Minute | Event | Player/Team |
|---|---|---|
| 18’ | Goal (penalty) | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
| 45+’ | Goal (header) | German Berterame (Inter Miami) |
| 58’ | Goal | Rafael Navarro (Colorado Rapids) |
| 62’ | Goal | Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids) |
| 79’ | Winning goal | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
Inter Miami’s technical leadership was under Guillermo Hoyos, who took charge four days after Javier Mascherano’s resignation for personal reasons. Hoyos, who serves as the club’s sporting director, has been entrusted with coaching duties on an interim basis.
Following the match, Hoyos highlighted Messi’s influence, noting his ability to alter the course of a game. He and Messi share a long-standing professional connection dating back over two decades to their time at Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
With this result, Inter Miami moved to second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The club has collected 15 points from eight matches, trailing Nashville, who lead the table with 19 points from the same number of games. Hoyos described the result as part of the team’s ongoing progression, while also noting that Inter Miami are the current MLS champions.