Lionel Messi delivered another signature performance with two goals as Inter Miami CF defeated the Colorado Rapids 3–2 on Saturday night, extending the club’s unbeaten run to seven matches and securing the first victory under interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos.
The win marked a positive start to a new chapter for Miami following the unexpected departure of Javier Mascherano due to personal reasons. Mascherano had guided the club to the 2025 MLS Cup title in his only full season in charge, making the transition a notable moment early in the campaign.
Messi opened the scoring in the 13th minute after drawing a penalty through a strong attacking sequence sparked by Yannick Bright. The Argentine calmly converted from the spot, giving Miami an early advantage and continuing his strong scoring form this season.
Late in first-half stoppage time, Miami doubled the lead through Germán Berterame. The forward rose at the back post to power home a header from Mateo Silvetti’s looping cross, making it 2–0 and marking his second goal in as many matches. The strike followed his first MLS goal in a 2–2 draw against the New York Red Bulls, signaling a promising start to his league career.
Colorado refused to fade after halftime and mounted an impressive response.
Rafael Navarro cut the deficit to 2–1 in the 58th minute, continuing his own strong run of form. The 26-year-old forward now has six goals this season, including two in Colorado’s previous 6–2 victory over Houston.
Just four minutes later, substitute Darren Yapi capitalized on a counterattack moments after entering the match, finishing clinically to level the score at 2–2 and swing the momentum toward the Rapids.
With the match hanging in the balance, Messi once again stepped forward in the 79th minute.
After a Colorado turnover near midfield, he collected the ball near the right edge of the penalty area, cut inside, and unleashed a rising shot that split two defenders before curling just inside the far post for the winner. The goal gave Messi seven on the season, tying him with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for the MLS lead.
Inter Miami had to withstand a tense finish after Yannick Bright received a straight red card in the 87th minute, forcing the hosts to defend the final minutes with 10 men. Colorado pressed forward aggressively, but Miami’s defense held firm to secure all three points.
Inter Miami improved to 4-1-3 and remains unbeaten since a season opening 3–0 loss to Los Angeles FC. The victory also halted Colorado’s recent surge after the Rapids had won three of their previous four matches to enter the contest at 4-4-0.
Most importantly for Miami, the night showcased both the continued brilliance of Messi and a strong attacking partnership emerging with Berterame an encouraging combination as the club settles into a new era under Hoyos.
