Inter Miami star Lionel Messi scored two crucial goals, including a spectacular late winner, to lead his team to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on Saturday. The match, played in front of 75,824 fans at Denver’s Empower Field, saw Miami overcome a second-half comeback from the home side. Messi’s decisive strike in the 79th minute secured three points for Miami, propelling them up the Eastern Conference standings.
Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi scored twice, converting an 18th-minute penalty and netting a 79th-minute match-winner.
- German Berterame added a header for Inter Miami, while Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi scored for Colorado.
- The attendance of 75,824 at Empower Field is the second-largest crowd in MLS history.
- Inter Miami finished the match with ten men after Yannick Bright received a red card in the 87th minute.
Messi’s Late Heroics Seal Dramatic Win
With the score level at 2-2, Lionel Messi collected the ball just inside the midfield line and embarked on a solo run toward the Colorado penalty area. Unchallenged by Rapids defenders, the Argentine forward advanced into the box and unleashed a powerful shot into the upper left corner of the net. The 79th-minute goal restored Miami’s lead and ultimately decided the high-scoring contest, showcasing Messi’s enduring ability to influence games at critical moments.
Record Crowd Witnesses MLS Showcase
The thrilling encounter was witnessed by a massive crowd of 75,824 spectators at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. This official attendance figure marks the second-largest crowd for a standalone MLS match in league history. The significant turnout underscores the drawing power of global superstar Lionel Messi and reflects the growing popularity of Major League Soccer in major U.S. markets.
Miami Holds On Despite Late Red Card
Inter Miami secured the victory while navigating the final minutes with only ten players on the field. Midfielder Yannick Bright was shown a straight red card in the 87th minute for a serious foul, forcing his team to defend their narrow lead under increased pressure. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Miami’s defense managed to see out the remaining stoppage time, preserving the 3-2 scoreline and a vital away win.
Conclusion:
Lionel Messi’s performance was the defining narrative in a match that highlighted both the star power and competitive drama of MLS. The victory strengthens Inter Miami’s position in the early season, while the historic crowd in Denver signals the league’s expanding reach. As the season progresses, Messi’s continued impact remains central to his team’s ambitions for silverware.
