Inter Miami thrashes Red Bulls 5-1 with Messi’s brace

Despite failing to score against Cincinnati, Lionel Messi bounced back impressively against New York Red Bulls by scoring twice and leading Inter Miami to a massive 5-1 victory in Major League Soccer (MLS).

On Sunday (July 20) at the Red Bulls Arena, Inter Miami dominated the match in possession, attack, and finishing. They held 64% ball possession and took 21 shots, with 8 on target and 5 goals scored.

Red Bulls initially took the lead in the 15th minute through Alexander Hack, but the lead was short-lived. In the 24th minute, Jordi Alba equalized with a perfect pass from Messi.

From there, Miami’s dominance took over. In the 27th minute, Telasco Segovia scored from Messi’s soaring cross. Messi then added another goal during stoppage time of the first half to extend the lead to 3-1.

In the second half, Messi’s brilliance continued. In the 60th minute, he scored from a long ball by Sergio Busquets with a right-footed finish. He then scored his second goal of the match in the 75th minute with a stunning volley after chest control.

With this win, Inter Miami climbed to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 41 points from 21 matches. They now have a chance to surpass Cincinnati and three other teams if they win their remaining three matches.

This victory sends a strong message about Inter Miami’s title hopes this season, and Messi proved that a quiet game doesn’t mean he’s out of form — he can return blazing in the very next match.