Lionel Messi has maintained a strong run of form in recent weeks since returning from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, continuing to be a decisive force for Inter Miami. Against the New York Red Bulls, the Argentine legend delivered yet another stunning brace, leaving the goalkeeper on the ground in the process.
In another MLS game from the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami were aiming to jump back after a 3-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati. The game didn’t start well for the Herons, after conceding first in the 14th minute, but as soon as Messi started getting involved in the game, the score turned around.
Messi had already made an impact on the match with a brilliant assist to Jordi Alba for the equalizer in the 24th minute. But the former Barcelona star wasn’t done, eager to get on the scoresheet himself after missing a few early chances.
In the 60th minute, Sergio Busquets threaded a perfect through ball to Messi, who had an open lane down a third of the field. As he approached Carlos Coronel in the box, Messi calmly faked a shot, sending the goalkeeper to the ground, before slotting home to make it 4–1 with a composed finish.
Then in the 75th minute, Inter Miami orchestrated a lethal counterattack. A long ball found Benjamin Cremaschi, who quickly fed Luis Suarez out wide. The Uruguayan delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Lionel Messi controlled it brilliantly with his chest before finishing clinically past Coronel once again, sealing the 5-1 win.
Messi tops MLS scoring chart
Messi continues to rewrite the MLS record books, recently becoming the first player in league history to score five consecutive braces. His incredible form has been vital to Inter Miami’s campaign—and it’s propelled him to the top of the scoring leaderboard in the United States.
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Lionel Messi extends remarkable 19-year career record with assist to Jordi Alba in Inter Miami vs. NY Red Bulls
With 12 goals in his last seven appearances, Messi now leads MLS with 18 goals this season. He’s followed closely by Nashville’s Sam Surridge with 17, while Cincinnati’s Evander—who scored twice against the Herons midweek—sits in third with 15 goals in the 2025 campaign.
