Inter Miami CF secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, inspired by a brilliant brace from Lionel Messi, including a spectacular late winner in front of a crowd of 75,824 fans.
The match, played at a larger NFL stadium in Denver to meet overwhelming demand, saw Messi once again prove decisive as he helped his side recover from a spirited Colorado comeback.
Inter Miami took the lead after Josh Atencio conceded a penalty for a foul on Yannick Bright. Following a VAR review, Messi stepped up and calmly slotted the spot kick down the middle.
Before halftime, Miami doubled their advantage when Messi’s clever flick set up Mateo Silvetti, whose cross was headed home by German Berterame.
Colorado fought back strongly in the second half. Rafael Navarro pulled one back with a solo effort, driving from midfield before finishing clinically past the goalkeeper.
Momentum shifted further when Darren Yapi, introduced by coach Matt Wells, equalised shortly after with a well-timed run and finish from a Lucas Herrington through ball.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Messi produced the decisive moment. Latching onto a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, he burst into the box and squeezed a precise left-footed shot between defenders and into the corner to seal the win.
The match marked a winning start for Inter Miami’s new head coach Guillermo Hoyos, who stepped in following the departure of Javier Mascherano earlier in the week due to personal reasons.
Hoyos praised Messi’s influence, saying the Argentine superstar “completely shifts the momentum of matches” and remains central to the team’s success.
The victory lifts Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference and extends their strong form as defending MLS champions.
The match ended on a tense note after Miami’s Yannick Bright was sent off for dissent following a heated exchange with officials.
Despite the drama, the night once again belonged to Messi, whose late heroics sealed another memorable MLS performance in front of a record-breaking crowd.
