Lionel Messi delivered an exceptional performance, scoring two goals and assisting two others, as Inter Miami secured a resounding 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in their Major League Soccer (MLS) match. This dominant display, marking Messi's sixth brace in his last seven outings, solidified Inter Miami's position in the league and showcased their formidable attacking prowess.

The match, held in Harrison, New Jersey, saw the New York Red Bulls take an early lead in the 14th or 15th minute through Alexander Hack. However, the star-studded Inter Miami squad quickly responded. Jordi Alba leveled the score in the 24th minute with a powerful strike from a tight angle, benefiting from a precise assist from Messi. This marked Messi's eighth assist and Alba's first goal of the 2025 regular season.

Inter Miami continued their relentless attack. Telasco Segovia put them ahead in the 27th minute, calmly finishing from the center of the box after another clever chip from Messi to Alba. This was Segovia's sixth goal of the season. He then added his second just before halftime, extending Inter Miami's lead to 3-1 at the break.

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The second half saw Messi further stamp his authority on the game. In the 60th minute, he netted his first goal of the match, finishing a smooth team move initiated by Busquets' through pass. This brought his league goal tally to 17 for the season. Not content, Messi struck again in the 75th minute, smashing a half-volley into the net after receiving a cross from Luis Suarez. This 18th goal of the season propelled Messi to the lead in the Golden Boot race, with Suarez also registering his 10th assist of the 2025 MLS season.

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Following this decisive win, Inter Miami climbed to fifth in the MLS table, boasting 12 wins, five draws, and four losses, accumulating 41 points. They are currently seven points behind table-toppers FC Cincinnati, who have 15 wins in 24 matches. Messi's individual statistics continue to impress, with his goal tally for the ongoing MLS season reaching 18, and his overall contribution to goals standing at 27. Since joining the American club in summer 2023, he has scored a remarkable 40 goals. Furthermore, Messi entered the MLS history books, becoming only the fifth player to record at least 35 goals and 25 assists over a two-year span, joining an elite group including Robbie Keane, Sebastian Giovinco, Carlos Vela, and Cucho Hernández.