Inter Miami - New York Red Bulls summary: score, stats and highlights | MLS
Inter Miami - New York Red Bulls: As it happened
Inter Miami blew past the New York Red Bulls in a game that will be remembered as Lionel Messi's most dominant MLS performance to date.
It was billed as a potential title clash in the East with league-leading Inter Miami taking on third-placed NYRB. When these two teams met back in March the Red Bulls ran out 4-0 winners. Crucially, however, Lionel Messi was not playing that day.
He didn't contribute much in the first half on Saturday either, flitting around on the periphery as a Dante Vanzeir goal gave the Red Bulls a narrow lead at the break. But with Miami needing a second half turnaround Messi simply took charge of the game, aided by the halftime introduction of Matias Rojas.
Within minutes of the restart Messi and Rojas had combined to make space on the edge of the box and the Paraguayan rifled home from distance. Messi scored one himself soon after, firing past Carlos Coronel after more good work from Rojas. With 50 minutes on the clock Inter Miami were ahead and cruising. Messi was only just getting started.
What followed was a twenty-minute spell of near-perfection from Messi, breezing through challenges and carving out chances at will. There was through-ball of surgical precision for Rojas to complete his brace. Then came a flurry of creative genius as Messi turned his talents to long-time friend Luis Suarez. A deft cross. A slaloming run. A beautifully arcing pass. Each chance was greedily gobbled up by Suarez as the Miami striker grabbed a quick-fire hat trick.
But it was Messi who remained the star of the show. In little over half an hour, from a losing position, he had simply conjured six goals for his team. His five-assist haul is a new MLS record and makes clear the historic nature of his Saturday night performance in South Florida. Those in attendance at Chase Stadium bore witness to the highest peak, so far, of Messi's dizzying MLS career.
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Lionel Messi scores a perfect ten against the Red Bulls
And it's difficult to argue with that. He may have been a little quiet in the first half but he made plenty of noise after the break, smashing the MLS assist record and helping himself to his tenth goal of the campaign.
Messi has now scored ten goals and contributed nine assists in eight MLS appearances so far. He leads the league in terms of both goals and assists and Inter Miami are top of the Eastern Conference.
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Messi and Suarez steal the show for Inter Miami
Losing at the break, Inter Miami's superstar forwards had struggled to impact the game in the first 45 minutes.
By the end of the second half Luis Suarez had bagged a hat trick and Lionel Messi had broken the record for the most assists in an MLS game (five). All in a day's work...
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Peeep peeeeeep peeeeeep
And that's the end of a thrilling game at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami running out 6-2 winners against a strong New York Red Bulls team.
A sensational, record-breaking performance from Lionel Messi rescued the game for Miami.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Emil Forsberg
The NYRB captain tucks the spot kick away neatly, finding the bottom corner.
Tolkin limps away, it was a clumsy challenge from Weigandt.
It'll be Forsberg to take the penalty kick...
Penalty kick awarded to the Red Bulls! John Tolkin was clipped in the box by Weigandt, spot kick to the visitors.
Really sharp play from Miami in midfield is followed by a lofted ball forward from Bright. Campana tries to latch onto it but can't quite bring it down.
Busquets clips a perfect pass over the defence and Messi brings it down instantly. He's in on goal but, under pressure, pokes the ball just wide of the post.
Cremaschi has space to run on the right but he cuts inside instead and finds Messi. The Argentine spins on the halfway line and wins a free kick for his team.
There will be a minimum of five minutes of added time.
The Red Bulls are continuing to push, looking to reduce the deficit against the Eastern Conference leaders.
This will be the second game between these two teams that has ended with a comprehensive win for the home team. What was the difference between the two games? Lionel Messi.
After a long wait, Emil Forsberg takes the free kick and floats the ball harmlessly over the crossbar.
There's a bit of a scuffle in the box, it looked like Weigandt and Reyes were involved.
Good footwork from Forsberg on the edge of the box. He's clipped as he is about to shoot and the referee award a free kick.
Big chance for Manoel after a dangerous ball is whipped in from Duncan. The NYRB striker can't quite convert and Miami clear.
The Red Bulls look to force a one-on-one but Drake Callender gets out sharply to smother the ball.
Double change for Miami. Negri and Suarez come off, Campana and Allen come on.
Watch: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez combine for Inter Miami
If I'm honest, it's difficult to keep up with this. Here's Inter Miami's fifth goal (Suarez's second goal, Messi's fourth assist) against New York Red Bull.
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Lionel Messi breaks MLS assist record!
That fifth assist is officially an MLS record! Lionel Messi is the first player to set up five goals in an MLS fixture. He's even scored one for himself, too!
GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL! Luis Suarez
Astonishing! Inter Miami go straight up the other end - Messi and Suarez combining again - and it's a sixth!
NYRB look for a way back into the game with Forsberg but his attempted clip over the top is easily repelled by Miami.
Almost incredible as his performance is the energy with which Lionel Messi continues to play. He's dropping deep to build the play, darting through midfield, and proving absolutely ruthless in the final third.
It's a virtuoso performance from Messi, one that ranks among his best in an Inter Miami jersey.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Luis Suarez
It's a second goal for Luis Suarez and a fourth assist for Lionel Messi.
It was a simple one-two on the edge of the box, slicing through the Red Bulls defence and grabbing their fifth goal of the game. Sensational!
The Red Bulls are starting to look a little demoralised now, chasing shadows in the midfield as Inter Miami knock the ball around calmly.
More magic from Messi, playing a no-look pass on the halfway line that sends Suarez through on goal. The Uruguayan sprints after the ball but can't quite get there before Coronel comes out to claim.
Inter Miami are enjoying themselves now. Lionel Messi charges from the halfway line and up to the edge of the box. He fakes a shot but loses the ball at the last minute.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Luis Suarez
And just like that, it's another for Luis Suarez!
Messi clips in a ball from the right and Suarez does brilliantly to manipulate his aging body and angle the ball past Coronel and into the back of the net.
Good spell of possession for the visitors, who must have been shaken by that flurry of goals.
What can NYRB muster now? Down by two they are sticking to the ball-playing style that we saw in the first half. Emil Forsberg is taking up more central positions now, allowing Lewis Morgan to drift out wide.
A double change for Inter Miami. Taylor and Gressel are off, Cremaschi and Bright come on.
Watch: Lionel Messi grabs his tenth of the season
This goal from Lionel Messi fired Inter Miami into the lead and marks his tenth of the season. Again it came from good work from Matias Rojas.
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It is difficult to overstate the scale of the impact that Matias Rojas has had on this game.
Playing as an attacking midfielder he has been brilliant, linking with Messi and Suarez in attack and working diligently out of possession. He's shown real quality in front of goal with two sensational finishes.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Matias Rojas
He has a second goal, a brilliant combination from Rojas and Messi!
They exchange passes in the midfield and Messi slips a brilliant ball through to Rojas, who coolly chips the ball over Coronel. Sensational stuff from Miami!
Brilliant break from Miami, with Rojas at the heart of it again. They work it to Gressel in the box but he fires wide from 12 yards.
Forsberg picks up the ball on the left and darts inside, making space on the edge of the box and unleashing a fierce drive. Fortunately for Callender the shot is straight at him and he saves comfortably.
Vanzeir does well to pinch the ball off Negri high up the pitch. The Red Bulls look to force a way through but Miami are quickly back in a tight shape.
Tomas Aviles
The Miami defender is booked for a rash challenge on the halfway line. He does that with frustrating regularity.
NYRB looking to rebuild some momentum here.
They try to play the ball around the defence and Messi nearly pounces on it, but Coronel gets out to claim the loose ball.
Forsberg comes forward down the left, making good progress before being slowed down by Weigandt. Tolkin whips in a cross from the left but Miami get the ball clear.
Watch: Matias Rojas levels the game for Miami
What a way to score your first MLS goal! Matias Rojas came on as a halftime substitution with the remit of changing the game and he needed just three minutes to make his mark.
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Inter Miami look much more settled on the ball now, Busquets is dropping deeper to help build the play and outnumbering the NYRB forwards.
Phew...
Two goals in two minutes for Inter Miami has them ahead against the New York Red Bulls. A goal and an assist for Lionel Messi, extending his two-goal contributions streak!
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Lionel Messi
And boom, they're ahead!
Luis Suarez poked the ball towards Lionel Messi and the Argentine finished coolly from close range.
GOOOOAAAAAAL! Mathias Rojas
Sensational strike from the new signing! Rojas was 25 yards out and sent a stunning long-range effort past Coronel.
All square!
Inter Miami are trying to play out from the back but the Red Bulls are making it difficult.
Busquets plays a long ball forward to Messi, who holds it up in the corner.
The visitors force an early corner. It's well taken by Tolken but Callender comes out to claim the ball.
One change at the break. Inter Miami new signing Mathias Roja comes on, David Ruiz comes off.
And we're back!
NYRB get the second half underway...
Inter Miami look for a second half comeback
The Herons have been second best so far but they have every chance of turning it around after the break.
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Sharp break puts NYRB ahead at halftime
The News York Red Bulls are known for their high-intensity play but we've seen some real quality from them in transitions today. Team captain Emil Forsberg is at the heart of the move, finding Lewis Morgan running in behind.
Dante Vanzeir is there to latch onto the rebound and finishes confidently past Drake Callender.
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Peeep peeeep peeeeeeeeep
And that's halftime. The New York Red Bulls have been good value for their lead at the break, enjoying the lion's share of the possession and preventing and clear openings for the Herons.
Good play from Robert Taylor to press the NYRB backline, winning the ball but conceding a throw-in.
NYRB are on the attack now, Forsberg looking to build down the left. Miami are back in good shape and force the visitors back to the halfway line.
There will be a minimum of two minutes of added time.
Suarez clips the ball down the left flank for Taylor but Amaya tracks the runner and is on hand to clear the danger.
Tomas Aviles leaps well at the back post and makes a good connection. His effort clips the top of the crossbar and bounces behind for a goal kick.
That's the closest that the Herons have come in this first half.
Good work from Weigandt and Negri on the left to bring the ball up the field and win a corner kick. Gressel to take it...
Forsberg swings in the corner kick but it's too close to Callender and the Miami goalkeeper claims it easily.
Good work from Dante Vanzeir on the left to get to the byline and win a corner kick for his team.
Messi turns on the ball in the middle and slips a pass through to Suarez. He tries to find Taylor in the box but it's cut out by Reyes, who's having a very impressive game.
Lionel Messi whips in the resultant free kick from the left. He picks out Gressel at the back post but the Miami midfielder can't direct it on target.
Winkleman Carmona
Another NYRB booking, this time it's for a clumsy challenge on Negri.
Three visiting players have been booked now. They'll need to be careful.
Kyle Duncan
The Red Bulls defender is booked for a clumsy challenge on Taylor.
Miami are through again! This time it's Ruiz running in on goal but Tolkin gets across to shoulder the youngster out of the way.
Brilliant defending. It'll be a goal kick for the Red Bulls.
Inter Miami spring a counter attack of their own and it's Messi leading the charge.
He approaches the edge of the box and considers a shot, but takes too long on the ball and allows Reyes to fly into a tackle. Great challenge from the NYRB man.
Messi tries to flick a loose ball through to Taylor but the Finn can't reach it.
The play is pulled back for a foul on Suarez.
It had looked like Inter Miami were growing into the game but they've been struck by a slick counter from the Red Bulls.
Forsberg brought them forward and played a clever through ball for Morgan, who struck the post from a one-on-one. The ball bounced back to Vanzeir, who confidently fired the ball past a scrambling Callender.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Dante Vanzeir
The Red Bulls have the breakthrough, slicing through Inter Miami on the counter-attack and the Vanzeir smashes the ball home from the penalty spot!
Clever touch from Vanzeir in the midfield, opening the game for the Red Bulls. They try to play through Morgan but Gressel wins it back and launches an attack...
Luis Suarez tries to swing the ball out to Weigandt on the right but it bounces over him and out for a throw-in.
John Tolkin
The NYRB defender is booked for a late challenge on Marcelo Weigandt midway into the Miami half.
NYRB get the ball back and look to play long to Morgan. Miami win the ball back but Negri loses it immediately, giving the Red Bulls the chance to build again.
Messi swings in the corner. It drops in the six-yard box and causes a moment of panic, but the Red Bulls get it clear again.
Bit of pressure from Miami now. Busquets and Ruiz try to slip balls through into the box but the Red Bulls get it clear.
The ball bounces out to Gressel. He shoots firmly but his effort is deflected out for a corner kick.
Twenty minutes in, there's not much to choose between the teams so far.
The Red Bulls have managed more forays into the Miami box but the Herons are playing pretty effectively, looking to generate chances for Messi and Suarez close to goal.
Miami come forward against and shift the ball to Messi on the edge of the box. He looks to make space for a shot on his left but his effort is well blocked by Reyes.
And just like that, a big chance for Inter Miami!
Suarez picks up the ball on the left and flights a long ball across to Gressel on the left of the box. He nods the ball down to Weigandt but the Miami defender can't make a clean connection.
Inter Miami are managing to play up the halfway line but the Red Bulls are dogged in their pressing, preventing any progress into their own half.
Tolkin and Forsberg combine well on the left for NYRB but can't pick their way through the Miami backline.
Better from Inter Miami now, Messi drifting inside to help build the play.
They enjoy a few calm passes in the midfield but a poor pass from Freire concedes a throw-in.
Long ball forward finds Suarez running in behind the Red Bulls backline. He hasn't got the pace to make it through on goal but he pokes the ball to Messi.
The Argentine cuts inside on the edge of the box but his left-footed shot is blocked and the visitors get the ball clear.
More good work from Forsberg, twisting and turning on the halfway line and floating a long ball out to Lewis Morgan on the left flank.
Lionel Messi is starting very wide for Inter Miami, out on the right wing.
The corner kick from Tolkin is headed clear by Suarez but the Red Bulls come straight back. Carmona has a shot from distance but it flies harmlessly wide of the post.
Goal kick Inter Miami.
Vanzeir's through on goal for NYRB but Ruiz flies back to get a block in on the shot.
The ball bounces out for a Red Bulls' corner kick.
Franuel Amaya tries his luck from 30 yards. It's firmly-struck, but Callender saves comfortably.
Sergio Busquets fouls Emil Forsberg again on the halfway line. A nice battle starting to emerge between those too.
Energetic off-the-ball work from Luis Suarez, hassling Andrew Reyes and winning a throw-in for his team.
NYRB win the ball off Taylor on the halfway line. Inter Miami manage to get men back to stem the counter-attack and the visitors are pushed back.
Lewis Morgan gets down the left flank and curls in a cross. Vanzeir swings his boot at the ball but he's penalised for a high foot.
Free kick Inter Miami.
Neat footwork from Forsberg, nutmegging Weigandt near the touchline and darting inside.
Good play from Vanzeir to slide the ball through to Tolkin. He gets in behind Weigandt but he run was a little too eager, he's called offside.
First touches for NYRB. Busquets is penalised for a late challenge on Emil Forsberg.
The famous NYRB press nearly unsettles Tomas Aviles but the young defender manages to clear the ball just in time.
And it's Inter Miami who take control of the early moments, knocking the ball around calmly at the back.
It's an improvement on last week's showing. They conceded after 40 seconds against the Revs.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get things underway in this Eastern Conference clash...
The players are out at Chase Stadium!
Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls are on the field for this MLS clash.
Kick-off is fast approaching. Just a few seconds to go now...
NYRB rock a "unique collaboration" jersey
The New York Red Bulls will be wearing their 2023 home jersey today. It's a sort of faded yellow, with darker smudges around the edged of the shirt. It's a cool design, but one which may leave some outsiders wondering exactly what the bizarre pattern is supposed to represent.
"This jersey is part of a unique collaboration with luxury sportswear designer Daniel Patrick which pays homage to New York City's rich streetwear culture."
That's what the MLS website says, at least. Hope that clears things up.
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Preparations underway for Inter Miami
Without midweek CONCACAF fixtures to disrupt their routine, Inter Miami have the opportunity to build up a bit of rhythm in the coming weeks. Their aging squad is susceptible to injury but, with only one game per week, Lionel Messi and co. can take advantage.
Messi missed the previous game against the New York Red Bulls but he provided a moment of magic in last year's meeting between these two teams. He slid a miraculous pass through to Benjamin Cremaschi before racing onto the return pass and finishing coolly from close range.
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If you're just joining us, you're probably wondering who is in the Inter Miami starting XI for the visit of the New York Red Bulls.
The big news for the Herons is that Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez start together up front, reuniting the partnership after Suarez was benched against the New England Revolution last weekend.
Recap: New York Red Bulls 4-0 Inter Miami
These two teams met back in March and the Red Bulls inflicted a serious blow on the Herons. A depleted Inter Miami team were outplayed at Red Bull Arena, with Lewis Morgan hitting a hat trick against his former team.
Last time there was no Lionel Messi and no Emil Forsberg in the squads. Both teams have their No. 10 and their captain back for today's game.
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Messi and Miami in the house
After months of fitness issues, Inter Miami have been able to name a strong starting XI for the visit of the New York Red Bulls today. They start with a front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor.
The Herons are without Jordi Alba after the left back sustained an apparent hamstring strain in last month's win over Sporting Kansas City. The Spaniard is not expected to be out for the long term, but he has not yet returned to training.
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How many goals can Messi score this year?
It's been an incredible start to the season for Lionel Messi, when he's been on the field at least. Despite leading the scoring charts he has missed a lot of action so far this season, starting just 55% of Inter Miami's MLS games ahead of this weekend. If he continues that record across the season he will struggle to match the record set by Carlos Vela, but few would rule it out.
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Red Bulls land at Chase Stadium
It's a balmy afternoon in South Florida and New York Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg is looking relaxed ahead of kick-off. The Red Bulls played out a 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend, playing with a man down for the final stages of the game.
They can do the double over Inter Miami with a win today, but things will not be as easy as they were last time...
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Priceless. In many ways, that's the only way to describe Lionel Messi's value to this Inter Miami team.
But, of course, a price tag has to be put on his talents and it's a pretty big one. Earlier this week we found out new details about Messi's Inter Miami contract, which is actually shorter than first reported.
And here's the NYRB starting XI
A strong team for the Red Bulls, too. Former Inter Miami player Lewis Morgan, who scored a hat trick in the first game, starts up front alongside Dante Vanzeir. The Herons will be keen to keep Emil Forsberg quiet. The NYRB captain enjoyed a long career in Europe and joined as a Designated Player in the off-season.
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Inter Miami team news!
No big surprises for the Herons, who make just one change from the team that beat New England Revolution last weekend. Luis Suarez comes back into the starting XI, Leonardo Campana drops out.
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Scene is set at Chase Stadium
And onto today's game! We have blue skies at Chase Stadium and we're expecting a real high quality clash today. Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls are both in contention for the Eastern Conference this year and play in fascinatingly different styles.
As a side note, new signing Mathias Rojas' jersey is used in the club's pre-match post. Does that mean he'll be handed his first Inter Miami start? We'll find out shortly...
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And finally, Inter Miami are reportedly set to unveil a new third kit inspired by the Miami Dolphins!
MLS allows teams who sell a certain number of shirts the opportunity to introduce a third jersey the following season. Miami, unsurprisingly, exceeded that threshold and will soon be able to unveil their new design.
Take a look at what we're expecting...
Lionel Messi crowned MLS Player of the Month
He's won an awful lot over the course of his 20-year professional career but Lionel Messi had never been named MLS Player of the Month. Until now!
The Inter Miami captain was a shoe-in for the April award after putting together a staggering run of form that leaves him top of the MLS scoring charts and Inter Miami in first place in the Eastern Conference.
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First things first, a little round up of the last few days' Inter Miami news. Talk of a move for Argentine superstar Angel di Maria has been rife in recent weeks and Herons head coach was asked about bringing the former Real Madrid and Juventus star to Chase Stadium...
Hello and welcome to another weekend of MLS action!
I'm US soccer writer Will Gittins and we'll be focusing on Inter Miami - New York Red Bulls, with Miami our to avenge an early season thrashing.
When these two teams met in New York back in March the Herons were on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline. What will be different this time around? Inter Miami were missing Lionel Messi in the first meeting but the Argentine comes into this game on a run of incredible form.
Here's your matchday live feed...