In a much-anticipated clash at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami CF broke their three-match losing streak with a decisive 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. The win was a welcome relief for the pink-clad fans, who witnessed not only a stellar performance from their team but also goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, both of whom had been under scrutiny for their recent lack of scoring.
The match kicked off at 12:30 AM on May 4, 2025, and the atmosphere was electric, with notable sports figures like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and former Dolphins receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in attendance. Inter Miami, desperate to end their losing skid, made several changes to the starting lineup. Coach Javier Mascherano opted to bring in winger Fafa Picault, midfielder Yannick Bright, and center back Gonzalo Luján, replacing Telasco Segovia, Fede Redondo, and Maxi Falcon from the previous match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Picault made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal just nine minutes into the game. After a clever setup from Luis Suárez, Picault was perfectly positioned to finish with a well-placed shot. His celebration, a joyful Haitian “Compas” dance at the corner flag, reflected the relief and excitement of the Inter Miami fans. “I was very happy for Fafa because he is a young man who always works, never complains, always does whatever he can for the team,” Mascherano praised after the match.
Just 21 minutes later, Marcelo Weigandt doubled the lead with his first goal for Inter Miami. The Argentine right back showcased his tenacity, reacting quickly to a rebound after his initial header was saved, and slamming the ball home with his right foot. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check, much to the delight of the home crowd.
With Miami leading 2-0, the momentum continued to build, and in the 39th minute, Suárez finally found the back of the net, ending a nine-game drought that had seen him struggle for form. The veteran forward scored from the center of the box, and his relief was palpable as he celebrated with his teammates, lifting the score to 3-0.
The Red Bulls managed to pull one back just before halftime when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting capitalized on a corner kick situation, scoring in the 43rd minute to make it 3-1. This goal gave the visitors a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break.
Despite the setback, the second half saw Inter Miami regain control. The team, fueled by the support of nearly 21,000 fans, was determined to secure the win. The crowd erupted again in the 67th minute when Messi, who had been silent for four matches, scored a stunning goal after a give-and-go with Telasco Segovia. The strike was a reminder of Messi's immense talent as he unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot, sealing the match at 4-1.
After the game, Mascherano emphasized the importance of the victory for the team’s morale. “It was important for us to win this game after three losses in a row and get good feelings again,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the win not just in terms of points but also for team confidence.
Inter Miami's performance was a stark contrast to their recent struggles, and the victory propelled them to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 21 points, while the Red Bulls remained in ninth with 15 points. The match served as a reminder of the potential of Inter Miami when their star players are firing on all cylinders.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against Minnesota United on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The team will look to continue their resurgence and solidify their position in the playoff race.
As the final whistle blew, the players celebrated their hard-fought victory, knowing they had turned a corner in their season. The fans left Chase Stadium buzzing with excitement, hopeful for what lies ahead as the season progresses.
