In a thrilling encounter in week 21, Inter Miami showcased their fighting spirit, clinching a remarkable 5-1 victory against New York Red Bulls at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The first goal for the home team came from Alexander Hack in the 14th minute. However, Inter Miami quickly rallied as Jordi Alba equalized just 9 minutes later in the 23rd minute. This momentum was further built upon when Telasco Segovia netted goals in the 26th minute and then again in the 47th minute, leaving the Red Bulls scrambling.
Lionel Messi, the standout player of the match, contributed significantly, scoring two goals in the second half, particularly finding the net in the 59th and 74th minutes. Messi’s performance included 5 shots on goal and an impressive 43 accurate passes.
Segovia’s performance was equally commendable, with 2 goals to his name, complemented by 35 successful passes and 3 attempts to challenge the goalkeeper.
The visiting team’s coach, Sandro Schwarz, opted for a 4-4-2 formation featuring Carlos Coronel in goal; a defense comprising Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Alexander Hack, and Raheem Edwards; a midfield trio of Mohammed Sofo, Daniel Edelman, and Ronald Donkor along with Emil Forsberg; and an attacking duo of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Julian Hall.
On the other hand, Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami employed a similar 4-4-2 setup with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal; a backline including Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba; a midfield anchored by Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, and Telasco Segovia; and a formidable forward pairing of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
The match referee was Víctor Rivas.
Looking ahead, New York Red Bulls will travel to face Chicago Fire, while Inter Miami will host Atlanta United next.
Substitutions for New York Red Bulls
55’ 2T – Ronald Donkor out for Wikelman Carmona; Julian Hall out for Dennis Gjengaar.
74’ 2T – Daniel Edelman out for Peter Stroud; Mohammed Sofo out for Wiktor Bogacz.
92’ 2T – Raheem Edwards out for Dylan Nealis.
Yellow cards for New York Red Bulls
34’ 1T – Ronald Donkor; 53’ 2T – Raheem Edwards (for holding the opponent to prevent advancement).
Substitutions for Inter Miami
64’ 2T – Tadeo Allende out for Benjamin Cremaschi.
73’ 2T – Gonzalo Luján out for Tomás Avilés; Telasco Segovia out for Yannick Bright.
85’ 2T – Sergio Busquets out for Fabrice Picault; Jordi Alba out for Santiago Morales.
Yellow cards for Inter Miami
10’ 1T – Telasco Segovia (for holding the opponent to prevent advancement); 29’ 1T – Maximiliano Falcón (for holding the opponent to prevent advancement); 50’ 1T – Marcelo Weigandt (for holding the opponent to prevent advancement).