Lionel Messi Scores in 4-1 Inter Miami Win, Walks Off Alone After Full-Time

Messi Scores

Inter Miami ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This result came after recent losses to FC Dallas in the MLS and a two-leg defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.

Miami played eight matches in April alone, but this win was especially important for them. The busy schedule included high-stakes matches in multiple competitions, which appeared to have taken a physical toll on some players, especially Lionel Messi. Although he scored Miami’s fourth goal in the 67th minute with a left-footed shot into the roof of the net, he walked off the field alone at full-time, heading straight into the tunnel. He did not join his teammates in celebrating the victory, and no explanation has been given for his early exit. However, during the second half, he showed signs of fatigue, which may have been a factor.

Miami’s first goal was in the 8th minute, when Luis Suárez connected with a cross from Marcelo Weigandt. His header found Fafa Picault, who finished with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. This was Picault’s first goal for the club. In the 29th minute, Weigandt scored for himself. After his initial header was saved by Red Bull’s goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, he scored on the rebound. The goal stood after a brief VAR check.

In the 38th minute, Messi drove forward from midfield and passed to Tadeo Allende, who found Suárez. Although Suárez’s first shot was blocked, he scored on the rebound, ending a nine-match goal drought, and made it 3-0.

New York Red Bulls responded in the 42nd minute. Mohammed Sofo headed the ball toward goal, and Eric Choupo-Moting tapped it in from close range. It was their only goal of the match.

In the second half, Miami controlled possession and added another goal. In the 67th minute, Telasco Segovia played a quick pass to Messi, who struck a left-footed shot from the center of the box past Coronel. The goal was Messi’s ninth of the season in all competitions and his fourth in MLS. He now has a goal contribution in nine consecutive home league games, matching his best streak from his Barcelona days in 2020.

The win moved Inter Miami up to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Red Bulls remained in ninth and are still winless on the road this season. Miami’s next match is on Saturday, May 10, against Minnesota United at Allianz Field.

Head coach Javier Mascherano commented after the game that the team needed this win. He noted that the team had been efficient in front of goal in the first half and tried to control the game better in the second. He also acknowledged the frustration after the recent Champions Cup exit and said the players and staff felt it deeply.

Mascherano added that the team is now focused on climbing the MLS table and preparing for upcoming tournaments like the Leagues Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He said they are learning from mistakes and believe they can compete at a high level.

Also present at the match was Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was in Miami for the Grand Prix weekend. Mahomes watched from the stands and applauded Messi’s goal.

While the performance on the field brought relief to the fans and coaching staff, Messi’s early walk-off left questions unanswered. With no injury announced and no official comment, many assume the decision was related to fatigue.

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