Messi scores 859th career goal as Inter Miami thrashes New York Red Bulls 4-1
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JULY 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after kicking the game winning goal during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Inter Miami CF returned to winning ways on Saturday night, securing a commanding 4–1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium and snapping a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
Argentine legend Lionel Messi marked the night with his 67th-minute strike, bringing his career tally to an astonishing 859 goals. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the milestone in a post on X, highlighting Messi’s 63 goals and assists in 53 games for Inter Miami
Winger Fafa Picault opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by a 33rd-minute strike from defender Marcelo Weigandt after a lengthy VAR review.
Luis Suárez added Miami’s third in the 39th minute before Messi sealed the win with a second-half volley in the 67th minute.
Mohammed Sofo gave the Red Bulls a brief lifeline with a 43rd-minute header, but Miami’s dominance ensured they secured all three points. The victory takes Miami’s tally to 21 points in 10 games, with just one loss in their MLS season.
Speaking in the post-match press conference at Chase Stadium, the Miami FC, Javier Mascherano acknowledged the physical demands of the match and the much-needed lift it gave the squad.
“It was a very physically demanding game – we needed it,” Mascherano said. “It was important to get back to a good feeling. In the first half, we were clinical in front of the goal, something we lacked in previous matches. In the second half, we tried to control possession more, and be less direct. At the end of the first half, we lost control of the ball and didn’t want to give them momentum.”
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