Messi Shines as Miami Destroys NY Red Bulls 5-1: Full Match Breakdown
Lionel Messi stole the show once again as Inter Miami cruised past the New York Red Bulls with a dominant 5-1 victory in a thrilling MLS clash at Chase Stadium. Scoring one and assisting 2, Messi was at the heart of everything positive for Miami.
The crowd roared, the goals flowed, and the home team delivered a footballing masterclass.
Let’s dive deep into the key moments, player performances, tactical setups, and everything that made this match a night to remember in Major League Soccer.
Match Summary
Final Score: Inter Miami 5 – 1 New York Red Bulls
Date: July 19, 2025
Venue: Chase Stadium, Miami
Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS) Regular Season
Attendance: 22,500+
Weather: Warm and humid, perfect for a summer night showdown
First Half Breakdown
Inter Miami started aggressively and took control from the very first whistle. Within the opening 10 minutes, the home side was already pushing the Red Bulls deep into their own half.
13’ – Goal: Lionel Messi
Messi opened the scoring with a left-footed rocket from the edge of the box after a clever one-two with Jordi Alba. The goal silenced the away section and set the tone for what was to come.
22’ – Goal: Leonardo Campana
Campana doubled Miami’s lead, tapping in from close range after a low cross from Messi on the right. The move was vintage Inter Miami — quick, sharp, and clinical.
Red Bulls Response
To their credit, New York tried to hit back with a few long-range efforts and aggressive pressing, but they just couldn’t get through Miami’s composed midfield.
39’ – Goal: Benjamin Cremaschi
Cremaschi made it 3-0 with a curling shot from outside the box. The 20-year-old continues to show why he’s one of MLS’s brightest young stars.
Halftime Score: Miami 3-0 NY Red Bulls
Second Half Highlights
Red Bulls Make Changes
The Red Bulls brought on fresh legs after the break to try and turn things around. It worked momentarily as they looked sharper in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
55’ – Goal: Dante Vanzeir (Red Bulls)
Vanzeir pulled one back for the visitors with a tidy finish past Drake Callender. It gave the Red Bulls hope, but that spark was quickly extinguished.
63’ – Messi Assists Suarez
Messi produced a magical chip through the defense to set up Luis Suárez, who calmly slotted home for 4-1. The connection between the two old teammates is as strong as ever.
76’ – Messi to Alba to Suárez (Again)
The fifth and final goal came from a fluid team move. Messi found Alba overlapping on the left, and the Spaniard whipped in a low ball for Suárez to bag his second of the night.
Player Ratings (Selected)
Player Rating Key Highlights
Lionel Messi 10/10 1 goal, 2 assists, full control of the tempo
Luis Suárez 9/10 2 goals, clinical in front of goal
Jordi Alba 8.5/10 1 assist, excellent overlaps down the left
Benjamin Cremaschi 8/10 Beautiful goal, creative in midfield
Drake Callender 7/10 Solid saves, calm under pressure
Dante Vanzeir (NY) 7/10 Lone bright spot for Red Bulls, scored one
John Tolkin (NY) 5/10 Struggled to contain Miami’s wingers
Tactical Analysis
Inter Miami's Shape: 4-3-3
- Messi operated in a free central role, drifting wide to drag defenders.
- Alba and Yedlin pushed high, acting almost as wingers.
- Sergio Busquets shielded the defense while distributing quickly.
- Campana’s hold-up play allowed others to join in.
NY Red Bulls' Shape: 4-2-3-1
- Pressing from the front was inconsistent.
- Defensive midfielders were overrun by Miami’s movement.
- Struggled with transitions and defensive width.
Key Stat: Miami had 62% possession and completed 589 passes to New York’s 348.
Impact on MLS Standings
- With this emphatic win, Inter Miami:
- Stays at the top of the Eastern Conference table
- Extends their unbeaten home record
- Continues their 8-match winning streak in the MLS
Messi’s Magic – Still Unmatched
Even at 38, Messi is a force in MLS. His contribution last night was not just in goals and assists, but in how he dictated the entire rhythm of play.
- Total touches: 84
- Key passes: 6
- Dribbles completed: 5
- Shots on target: 3
He looked happy, sharp, and in sync with teammates like Alba and Suárez — a scary prospect for every other team in the league.
Post-Match Reactions
Gerardo "Tata" Martino (Miami Coach):
“We saw chemistry, discipline, and magic. That’s the Miami we want every week.”
Messi (to reporters):
“I’m enjoying every game. The fans, the city — it all feels right. We’re not done yet.”
NY Red Bulls Coach:
“Miami punished every mistake. We have to reset and learn quickly.”
Cool Stats from the Match
- Miami had 16 total shots compared to New York’s 7
- The hosts had 10 corners, showing their dominance
- Messi now has 12 goals and 10 assists in just 15 MLS appearances this season
- Suárez hits double digits for goals with his brace
- Miami’s average home crowd this season rises to 21,000+
What This Game Tells Us
- Messi and Suárez are still elite – They may be veterans, but their understanding and execution are as lethal as ever.
- Miami’s depth is improving – Young players like Cremaschi are stepping up when it matters.
- Red Bulls need midfield reinforcement – Their inability to cope with Miami’s movement in the center is a serious concern.
FAQs
Who scored for Inter Miami in the 5-1 win?
Lionel Messi, Leonardo Campana, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Luis Suárez (twice) scored for Miami.
How many goals and assists did Messi have?
Messi scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists during the game.
Where was the game played?
The match took place at Chase Stadium in Miami.
Who scored for New York Red Bulls?
Dante Vanzeir scored the only goal for the Red Bulls.
What formation did Miami use?
Miami played a 4-3-3 formation with Messi playing a free central attacking role.
How did Suárez perform?
Suárez scored 2 goals and was a constant threat in the box, linking up well with Messi.
What was the attendance at the game?
Over 22,500 fans attended the match, making it one of the highest-attended games of the season.
What does this mean for the MLS standings?
Inter Miami remains top of the Eastern Conference, while New York Red Bulls drop down the table.
Was Jordi Alba involved in any goals?
Yes, Alba assisted one of Suárez’s goals with a low cross from the left flank.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Miami faces Atlanta United next week, looking to extend their winning streak to nine games.
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