Messi’s Brilliance Too Much for Red Bulls

Published: Saturday, July 19, 2025

by Thomas Kvalo

HARRISON N.J. – The Red Bulls (9-6-9) lost only their second home game of the season with the visiting Inter Miami (12-5-4) taking all 3 points on Saturday. Lionel Messi led his team to yet another victory with incredible playmaking and goalscoring.

It was the home team that struck first with a goal in the 14th minute. It came from a corner kick that bounced off Alexander Hack before finding the back of the net. This was the German’s first goal in a Red Bulls uniform. Captain Emil Forsberg took the freekick and was the player awarded the assist on the goal.

New York dominated possession of the ball early, however they could not build on their opening goal with Inter Miami slowly coming alive.

The visitors stayed determined after their early deficit. Just ten minutes after conceding the opening goal, they tied the score with a magical assist by Messi, setting up Jordi Alba.

Within three minutes of tying it up, Inter Miami took the lead when Alba made the same run and Messi lobbed him the pass. Only instead of Alba shooting, he laid it off to Telasco Segovia who put it in the back of the net.

With an additional five minutes added on, Inter Miami was able to extend their lead and provide themselves with insurance going into the second half, then leading 3-1. It was a scramble in the box between both sides. None of the players were able to get control of the ball until it landed at Segovia’s feet, who then slotted home his second of the game.

In the first half, Messi was the key playmaker for his side, but in the second half he decided that he wanted to join in on the goalscoring.

The second half was uneventful at first, but in the 60th minute, Messi found himself one on one with Carlos Coronel. The New York shot stopper stood little chance, as Messi was able to maneuver around him and score, increasing the lead to 4-1.

But Messi was not done there, as he achieved yet another game with a brace. He secured it when Luis Suarez whipped in a cross to the back post in the 75th minute where Messi took his time and put Inter Miami up by a commanding 4 goals. 5-1 would remain the score at full time.

It was a tough loss for the Red Bulls who had been dominant at Sports Illustrated Stadium this season. Their chance to bounce back will be one last MLS game in Chicago next Saturday at 8:30 P.M. before the Leagues Cup gets underway.

Thomas Kvalo can be reached at thomas.kvalo@student.shu.edu

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