Inter Miami thrashes NY Red Bulls with a show and two great goals from Messi in an electrifying match in the MLS

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a commanding 5-1 victory over the NY Red Bulls in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, on July 19, 2025. With two goals and one assist, the Argentine star was the standout in a game still ongoing in the final minutes of the second half. The rout, built on brilliant performances by Jordi Alba and Telasco Segovia, reflects Inter Miami’s dominance in possession and chance creation. The match, marked by intensity and decisive moments, underscores the strong form of the Florida-based team in the competition.

The game began with the NY Red Bulls taking a surprising early lead through Alexander Hack. However, Inter Miami quickly responded, leveling the score with Jordi Alba and taking the lead with two goals from Telasco Segovia in the first half. Messi extended the advantage in the second half with goals in the 60th and 75th minutes, sealing the thrashing. The match remains in progress, with Inter Miami controlling the action.

• Game highlights so far:
  • Lionel Messi: two goals and one assist, leading the attack.
  • Jordi Alba: one goal and one assist, with a solid performance at left-back.
  • Telasco Segovia: two goals in the first half, pivotal in the comeback.

The clash at Red Bull Arena has showcased Inter Miami’s offensive prowess, capitalizing on the opponent’s defensive lapses to build a commanding scoreline.

Inter Miami’s first-half dominance

Inter Miami displayed superiority from the opening minutes, even after conceding early to the NY Red Bulls. The home side took the lead in the 14th minute when Alexander Hack capitalized on an Emil Forsberg assist from a corner kick. However, the goal did not rattle Inter Miami, which equalized in the 24th minute through Jordi Alba, who finished a precise pass from Messi. Three minutes later, Telasco Segovia scored the second goal, set up by Alba, to take the lead.

The relentless pace of Inter Miami continued, and in the 45+3rd minute, Segovia scored again, assisted by Federico Redondo Solari, securing a 3-1 lead at halftime. With 61% possession and numerous chances created, the visitors clearly controlled the game. The NY Red Bulls, despite some attempts, struggled to maintain defensive solidity.

• First-half numbers:
  • Possession: Inter Miami 61%, NY Red Bulls 39%.
  • Shots on goal: Inter Miami 8, NY Red Bulls 3.
  • Corners: Inter Miami 4, NY Red Bulls 2.
  • Fouls committed: Inter Miami 7, NY Red Bulls 10.

Messi orchestrates the rout in the second half

The second half was defined by Lionel Messi’s brilliance, as he extended Inter Miami’s lead in the 60th minute. After receiving a pass from Sérgio Busquets, the Argentine finished with precision, scoring the fourth goal. In the 75th minute, Messi struck again, this time assisted by Luis Suarez, cementing the 5-1 rout. The number 10’s performance, with two goals and one assist, reinforces his leadership as Inter Miami’s top scorer this season, with 16 goals.

The NY Red Bulls attempted a comeback but were stifled by Inter Miami’s robust defense, which included key saves by Rocco Rios Novo. Substitutions by both teams, such as Santiago Morales and Fafa Picault for Inter Miami, kept the game’s intensity high.

Timeline of key moments

The match was filled with pivotal moments, with Inter Miami capitalizing on its opportunities. Below are the key plays up to the 90+2nd minute:

• 14’: Alexander Hack opens the scoring for NY Red Bulls, assisted by Emil Forsberg.
• 24’: Jordi Alba equalizes for Inter Miami, assisted by Lionel Messi.
• 27’: Telasco Segovia puts Inter Miami ahead, assisted by Jordi Alba.
• 45+3’: Segovia scores Inter Miami’s third, assisted by Federico Redondo Solari.
• 60’: Lionel Messi extends the lead, assisted by Sérgio Busquets.
• 75’: Messi seals the rout, assisted by Luis Suarez.

These moments highlight Inter Miami’s efficiency in converting chances into goals.

Tactical superiority and standout performances

Inter Miami showcased tactical discipline, with quick transitions and effective use of the flanks. Jordi Alba, beyond his goal, was crucial in creating plays, while Sérgio Busquets controlled the midfield tempo. The Florida side exploited the NY Red Bulls’ defensive errors, who, despite early possession, faltered after the equalizer.

The NY Red Bulls relied heavily on Emil Forsberg, who created chances but couldn’t overcome Inter Miami’s defense. The home side struggled to contain the attack led by Messi and Suarez, who displayed excellent chemistry in key moments.

• Standout players:
  • Lionel Messi: two goals, one assist, leading the attack.
  • Jordi Alba: one goal and one assist, with decisive contributions at left-back.
  • Telasco Segovia: two goals, showcasing opportunism.
  • Luis Suarez: one assist, with active involvement in the attack.
  • Emil Forsberg: one assist for NY Red Bulls, but unable to prevent the loss.

Current form in the MLS

Inter Miami comes into this match in top form, with three consecutive wins prior to the game. In the Eastern Conference standings, the team sits in fifth place with 38 points from 20 matches, maintaining a strong away record with five wins and three draws in nine games. The team has excelled offensively, scoring 44 goals this season, with Messi as the leading scorer.

Meanwhile, the NY Red Bulls are in a slump, winless in their last five matches. The team is eighth in the Eastern Conference with 33 points from 23 games. Despite a strong home record, with seven wins in ten matches, they couldn’t match Inter Miami’s pace. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with 11 goals, is their main offensive threat.

Final moments and expectations

With the match still ongoing in stoppage time, Inter Miami maintains control, looking to manage their lead. The NY Red Bulls, despite substitutions like Peter Stroud and Wiktor Bogacz, have been unable to shift the momentum. Inter Miami’s possession and offensive pressure suggest they are comfortable in the lead.

The game underscores Messi’s importance to Inter Miami, which remains a strong contender for the top spots in the MLS. For the NY Red Bulls, the challenge will be to recover from this setback and regain consistency in upcoming matches.

• What to expect in the final minutes:
  • Inter Miami likely to maintain possession and seek more chances.
  • NY Red Bulls may rely on set pieces to reduce the deficit.
  • Tactical substitutions could influence the game’s pace.
  • Messi and Suarez remain constant threats.

Head-to-head history

The recent history between the two teams shows a balanced rivalry, with the NY Red Bulls holding an edge at home, winning three of the last five matches at Red Bull Arena. However, Inter Miami has shone in recent encounters, including a 6-2 victory in May 2024. The average goals in the last five meetings is high, at 4 per game, reflecting the intensity of these clashes.

The current match, with a 5-1 scoreline at 90+2 minutes, is one of the most lopsided in recent history, highlighting Inter Miami’s dominance. The combination of individual talent and tactical organization has been the key for the visitors.

• Historical data:
  • Last 5 games: Inter Miami 3 wins, NY Red Bulls 2.
  • Average goals per game: 4.
  • Biggest win: Inter Miami 6-2 (May 2024).
  • NY Red Bulls haven’t drawn at home against Inter Miami in 6 games.