Inter Miami returned to their winning ways with a commanding 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, May 3, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After a disappointing loss to FC Dallas just a week prior, the Herons wasted no time in asserting their dominance against the Red Bulls, showcasing an impressive offensive display.
Leading the charge was Lionel Messi, who scored his first goal in five matches and provided an assist, further solidifying his role as a key player for Inter Miami. Fafà Picault opened the scoring early in the ninth minute, putting Miami ahead 1-0. Following a series of failed clearances from the Red Bulls, Marcelo Weigandt delivered a precise ball into the box. Luis Suárez flicked it on with a header, allowing Picault to execute a half-volley that found the back of the net.
Weigandt then doubled the lead in the 30th minute. After his initial header was saved by New York goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel, Weigandt quickly reacted to the rebound, slotting home a right-footed shot from close range. The Herons continued to pile on the pressure, and Luis Suárez added a third goal just nine minutes later. Suárez, who had not scored since March 2, capitalized on a blocked shot from his initial attempt, pouncing on the loose ball to fire a left-footer into the net from the six-yard box.
The Red Bulls managed to pull one back just before halftime when Mohammed Sofo scored in the 43rd minute. Sofo connected with a corner kick delivered by Omar Valencia, heading it home from the back post to make it 3-1. Despite this brief glimmer of hope for New York, Inter Miami's momentum proved too strong.
In the second half, Messi capped off the scoring in the 67th minute, firing a powerful left-footed shot after a clever exchange with teammate Telasco Segovia. This goal marked Messi's fourth of the MLS season and his eighth across all competitions in 2025, highlighting his continued impact on the field.
Inter Miami's victory improved their record to 6-1-3, earning them 21 points and moving them into fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team had previously suffered a setback with a 4-3 loss to Dallas, which snapped an eight-game unbeaten streak to start the season. Miami's defense had been particularly solid prior to that match, allowing only nine goals in their first ten games.
On the other hand, the Red Bulls, now 4-4-3, remain winless on the road this season with a record of 0-3-2. Despite a promising start to the season, New York has struggled to find consistency, particularly in away matches. They currently sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with 15 points.
In attendance at the game were several notable celebrities, including NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who added to the electric atmosphere at Chase Stadium. Their presence underscored the growing popularity of Inter Miami, particularly since Messi's arrival, which has drawn attention from sports fans beyond soccer.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will face two challenging road matches in the coming days. They are set to visit Minnesota United on May 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by a match against the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. ET. These upcoming fixtures will be crucial as Miami aims to build on their recent success and solidify their position in the playoff race.
Overall, this match showcased the resilience of Inter Miami as they bounced back from their recent losses, demonstrating their offensive prowess and the growing chemistry among their star players. With Messi, Suárez, and Picault all contributing significantly, the Herons are poised to make a strong push for the remainder of the season.
