Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were the stars as Inter Miami won easily against the New York Red Bulls, with the final score being 4-1. The home fans at Chase Stadium were happy to see their team play so well and get a big victory.
Inter Miami Starting Lineup: Callender, Weigandt, Aviles, Freire, Alba Ruiz, Busquets, Gomez Messi, Suarez, Picault.
New York Red Bulls Starting Lineup: Coronel; Tolkin, Reyes, Nealis, Harper; Carmona, Edelman, Stroud, Fernandez; Vanzeir, Forsberg.
Early Suarez Assist Leads to Miami’s First Goal
Inter Miami started the match with a lot of energy. In the 9th minute, Luis Suárez helped set up the first goal. He passed the ball to Fafa Picault, who scored to give Miami an early 1-0 lead.
Okay, let’s integrate the details of the New York Red Bulls’ goal into the expanded match report.
9th Minute: Suarez Magic Sets Up Picault Opener
The match ignited early, with Inter Miami displaying their attacking intent from the outset. In the 9th minute, a moment of brilliance from Luis Suárez unlocked the Red Bulls’ defense. After a clever interchange of passes in the final third, Suárez received the ball near the edge of the box with his back to goal. With a subtle flick and turn, he evaded his marker and laid a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of the onrushing Fafa Picault. Picault, with composure, slotted the ball past Carlos Coronel into the bottom corner, sending the home fans into raptures and giving Inter Miami an early 1-0 advantage.
30th Minute: Weigandt Doubles Miami’s Lead with Well-Timed Run
Inter Miami continued to press, maintaining a healthy share of possession and dictating the pace of the game. Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when right-back Marcelo Weigandt ventured forward on an attacking foray. Following a swift passing sequence down the right flank involving Messi and Ruiz, the ball found its way to Weigandt in space inside the box. He took a touch to control and then unleashed a firm, low shot across goal that beat Coronel at his near post, marking his first goal for the club and extending Miami’s lead to 2-0.
39th Minute: Suárez Pounces After Initial Save
Just before the halftime whistle, in the 39th minute, the lethal combination of Messi and Suárez once again proved too much for the Red Bulls’ defense. Messi, with his trademark dribbling, weaved his way into a dangerous position near the penalty area. He unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, forcing a decent save from Coronel, who managed to parry the ball away. However, the rebound fell kindly to the predatory instincts of Luis Suárez, who reacted quickest to tap the ball into the unguarded net, making it a comfortable 3-0 for Inter Miami heading into the break.
45th Minute: Sofo Pulls One Back for the Red Bulls
Right on the stroke of halftime, in the 45th minute, the New York Red Bulls managed to register a goal, offering a sliver of hope heading into the second half. Following a quick transition and a well-placed through ball from Omir Fernandez, midfielder Mohammed Sofo found himself with space just outside the Inter Miami penalty area. He took a touch and unleashed a well-struck shot that beat Drake Callender, finding the bottom corner of the net. While it reduced the deficit to 3-1, Inter Miami still held a comfortable two-goal lead.
Halftime Team Possession: While official statistics might vary, Inter Miami demonstrated superior control of the ball in the first half, dictating the tempo and creating numerous attacking opportunities. Their fluid passing and movement off the ball made it difficult for the Red Bulls to gain a significant foothold in the game.
67th Minute: Messi’s Exquisite Finish Seals the Deal
The second half saw Inter Miami maintain their dominance, controlling possession and creating further chances. The moment the crowd eagerly anticipated arrived in the 67th minute when Lionel Messi etched his name onto the scoresheet with a moment of sheer brilliance. After a patient build-up, Messi exchanged a delightful one-two pass with substitute Telasco Segovia just outside the Red Bulls’ penalty area. Segovia’s return pass was perfectly weighted, allowing Messi to stride into the box and unleash a powerful, left-footed volley that scorched past Coronel and into the back of the net, making the score 4-1 and effectively sealing the victory for Inter Miami. The Chase Stadium erupted in applause for the Argentine maestro’s sublime finish.
Messi’s Goal Seals the Victory for Miami
In the second half, Inter Miami continued to control the game. The moment many fans were waiting for came in the 67th minute when Lionel Messi scored. He played a nice one-two pass with Telasco Segovia and then hit a powerful shot with his left foot that the goalkeeper couldn’t stop. This made the score 4-1 for Miami.
Strong Attack Gives Miami Comfortable Win
Although Inter Miami didn’t always look perfect as a team, their attacking players, especially Messi and Suárez, were too good for the New York Red Bulls. The score remained 4-1 at the end of the match, giving Inter Miami a comfortable victory at home. Suárez was very involved, scoring a goal and providing an assist. This win was a good way for Inter Miami to bounce back after their recent loss in another competition.
