July 20, (THEWILL) — Inter Miami CF turned around a disappointing start to claim a remarkable 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on Friday night.
The visitors found themselves trailing early when Alexander Hack gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute, but responded with five goals to maintain their climb up the Major League Soccer standings with 41 points from 21 matches.
Captain Lionel Messi orchestrated the comeback with two goals and two assists, whilst Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia netted twice and Spanish left-back Jordi Alba contributed one goal and two assists.
The turnaround began in the 24th minute when Alba fired home from a tight angle after receiving a precise through ball from Messi.
Three minutes later, Segovia put Miami ahead following another flowing move involving Messi and Alba, before adding his second just before half-time to establish a commanding 3-1 interval lead.
Messi extended the advantage on the hour mark, rounding goalkeeper Carlos Coronel after latching onto Sergio Busquets’ perfectly weighted pass through the Red Bulls’ defence.
The Argentine forward completed the rout 15 minutes from time with a clinical half-volley from Luis Suárez’s left-wing delivery, taking his season tally to 18 goals and moving joint-top in the race for the Golden Boot presented by Audi.
The performance marked several significant milestones for Miami’s star players. Messi became only the fifth player in MLS history to record at least 35 goals and 25 assists across two years, joining an elite group that includes Robbie Keane, Sebastian Giovinco, Carlos Vela, and Cucho Hernández.
Suárez reached double figures for assists this campaign with his 10th, whilst Alba registered her eighth secondary assist of the season.
Manager Javier Mascherano’s side will return to Chase Stadium next Saturday evening to face FC Cincinnati.
This comprehensive victory showed Miami’s attacking firepower and ability to respond under pressure as they continue their push towards the top of the log with three matches in hand.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
