Inter Miami recorded a 3–2 victory over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, including a decisive late goal. The match was also the first in charge for sporting director Guillermo Hoyos, who assumed interim head coaching responsibilities following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano.
The result extended Inter Miami’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions. After beginning their MLS campaign with a defeat against Los Angeles FC, the team has since recovered strongly, collecting 15 points from eight fixtures and moving into second place in the league standings.
Inter Miami took an early lead in the 13th minute when Messi converted from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after Yannick Bright was fouled by Josh Atencio inside the penalty area. Messi struck the ball confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to open the scoring.
The home side doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Mateo Silvetti delivered a cross into the box, which Tadeo Allende met with a well-directed header to make it 2–0 before the interval.
Colorado Rapids responded after the break. Rafael Navarro reduced the deficit in the 58th minute, scoring his sixth goal of the season. Just four minutes later, Darren Yapi, introduced from the bench, brought the visitors level at 2–2 after finishing a counter-attacking move.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. Messi regained possession in midfield and drove forward along the right flank. He then entered the penalty area, beat two defenders, and placed a low shot into the far corner to restore Inter Miami’s lead and complete his second goal of the match.
The closing stages became more difficult for the hosts after Yannick Bright was shown a red card in the 87th minute, reducing Inter Miami to ten players. Despite late pressure from Colorado Rapids, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser and suffered defeat following two consecutive league wins.
Messi’s brace took his season tally to seven goals, placing him joint-top of the Major League Soccer scoring chart alongside Sam Surridge and Peter Musa.
Match Summary
| 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 match underlined both Messi’s continued influence in decisive moments and Inter Miami’s ability to maintain results despite managerial disruption and late numerical disadvantage.
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