Messi shines in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Red Bulls

Lionel Messi returned to the scoresheet as Inter Miami bounced back from a three-match losing streak with a commanding 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Sunday.

The Argentine superstar scored his eighth goal of the season in the 67th minute, sealing a much-needed win for Miami at Chase Stadium. Messi had gone four matches without a goal prior to this game.

Inter Miami got off to a strong start with Fafa Picault opening the scoring in the 9th minute. Picault capitalised on a low cross inside the box to put the home side ahead. Defender Marcelo Weigandt doubled the lead in the 30th minute. Although his initial header was saved, he followed up with a rebound to make it 2-0. The goal was initially ruled offside but was later awarded after a VAR review.

Veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez added a third for Miami in the 39th minute. However, New York Red Bulls pulled one back just before halftime through Cameroonian forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Messi wrapped up the match in style in the second half, slotting in a trademark left-footed finish after a smooth one-two exchange with a teammate. It was his fourth goal in 13 appearances this season.

With this victory, Inter Miami now sits fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 21 points from 10 matches. Columbus Crew leads the table with 24 points from 11 matches, followed by Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, each with 22 points.