Inter Miami defeated the Colorado Rapids 3–2 in Major League Soccer action on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, including a late winner. The match also marked the first game in charge for sporting director Guillermo Hoyos, who stepped in as interim head coach following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano.
The victory extended Inter Miami’s unbeaten run to seven matches. After opening their league campaign with a defeat against Los Angeles FC, the team has collected 15 points from eight matches and sits second in the MLS standings.
Messi gave Miami the lead in the 13th minute, converting a penalty after Yannick Bright was fouled by Josh Atencio inside the area. The early strike set the tone for a strong first half from the home side. Just before half-time, Miami doubled their advantage when Mateo Silvetti delivered a cross that Tadeo Allende headed into the net during stoppage time.
Colorado Rapids responded after the break. Rafael Navarro pulled a goal back in the 58th minute, registering his sixth goal of the season. Four minutes later, substitute Darren Yapi levelled the match at 2–2, finishing a counter-attacking move to restore parity.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute. Messi won possession in midfield and carried the ball forward on the right flank. He then entered the penalty area, dribbled between two defenders, and placed a low shot into the far corner to complete his brace and secure all three points for Miami.
Inter Miami were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute when Yannick Bright received a red card, leaving them to defend their lead in the closing stages. Despite late pressure from Colorado, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser, ending their run of two consecutive wins.
Messi’s two goals took his tally for the season to seven, placing him joint top of the Major League Soccer scoring chart alongside Sam Surridge and Peter Musa.
Match Overview
| Minute | Event | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13′ | Penalty goal | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| 45+’ | Header goal | Tadeo Allende | Inter Miami |
| 58′ | Goal | Rafael Navarro | Colorado Rapids |
| 62′ | Equaliser | Darren Yapi | Colorado Rapids |
| 79′ | Winning goal | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| 87′ | Red card | Yannick Bright | Inter Miami |
The result reinforced Inter Miami’s strong league position and highlighted Messi’s continued decisive impact in key moments.