Messi Ends Goal Drought as Inter Miami Thrashes New York Red Bulls
Inter Miami delivered a resounding performance on May 3rd, defeating the New York Red Bulls 4-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, marking a triumphant return to winning form after a series of disheartening losses. The victory was punctuated by Lionel Messi’s first goal in five matches, a moment of brilliance that ignited the crowd and underscored his enduring impact on the team.
The atmosphere at Chase Stadium was electric, amplified by the presence of notable celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment. NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr., alongside skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, added to the star-studded audience, demonstrating the growing allure of Inter Miami and Major League Soccer.
The match began with Inter Miami displaying a renewed sense of purpose and attacking intent. Fafa Picault set the tone early, finding the back of the net in the 9th minute with an assist from Luis Suarez. Picault’s goal showcased Inter Miami’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities and establish dominance in the game. The home side continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded in the 30th minute when Marcelo Weingandt added a second goal, further solidifying Inter Miami’s lead.
Luis Suarez, eager to break his own goal drought, joined the scoring party in the 39th minute. The Uruguayan striker, known for his clinical finishing and relentless work ethic, ended a nine-match scoreless streak, much to the delight of the Inter Miami faithful. His goal extended Inter Miami’s advantage to 3-0 before halftime, creating a comfortable cushion for the remainder of the match.
The New York Red Bulls managed to pull one back in the 43rd minute through Mohammed Sofo, providing a glimmer of hope for a potential comeback. However, Inter Miami’s defense remained resolute, limiting the Red Bulls’ opportunities and maintaining control of the game.
The moment the crowd had been waiting for arrived in the 67th minute. Lionel Messi, orchestrating a mesmerizing exchange with teammate Telasco Segovia, unleashed a powerful strike with his legendary left foot. The ball soared past the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper, sending the Chase Stadium into a frenzy. Messi’s goal not only secured the victory for Inter Miami but also marked the end of his personal goal drought, reigniting his scoring momentum.
This goal was Messi’s fourth in the MLS season and his eighth across all competitions in 2025. It was his first since his two goals to help Inter Miami advance past LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals on April 9.
Suarez’s contributions extended beyond his goal. He also provided the assist for Picault’s opening goal, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability. With his goal, Suarez has now scored four goals across all games this year and a total of 30 goals since joining Inter Miami last year, reaffirming his status as a key offensive weapon for the team.
The victory over the New York Red Bulls was especially significant for Inter Miami, as it broke a three-game losing streak across all competitions. The team had recently suffered elimination in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps, losing by a 5-1 aggregate score. They had also endured a 2-0 defeat at Vancouver on April 24, a 4-3 loss at home to FC Dallas on April 27, and another home defeat to Vancouver on April 30.
The win against the Red Bulls provided a much-needed morale boost for Inter Miami, restoring confidence and momentum as they look to climb the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Inter Miami improved to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 21 points from six wins, a loss and three draws during the regular season.
The Red Bulls, who fell to the L.A. Galaxy in the MLS Cup final last season, remain in ninth place with 15 points from four wins, four losses and three draws. They will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and regain their footing in the league.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces a challenging stretch with two road games in the next 10 days. They will travel to face Minnesota United on May 10 at 4:30 p.m. ET and then head to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET. These matches will test Inter Miami’s resilience and ability to perform consistently away from home.
The victory against the New York Red Bulls was a testament to Inter Miami’s talent, determination, and the undeniable impact of Lionel Messi. With key players finding their form and the team displaying a renewed sense of cohesion, Inter Miami is poised to make a strong push for a playoff spot and contend for the MLS Cup. The support of their passionate fans, combined with the star power of Messi, Suarez, and others, makes Inter Miami a force to be reckoned with in Major League Soccer. The upcoming road games will provide a crucial opportunity for Inter Miami to solidify their position and demonstrate their championship aspirations. The league and its fans will be watching closely to see if Inter Miami can maintain their momentum and continue their climb towards the top of the Eastern Conference.
