Bob Poe | May 25, 2026 |
Key Points
- A historic thriller: Inter Miami outlasted the Philadelphia Union in a 6-4 shootout, setting an MLS record with eight first-half goals in one of the league’s most chaotic matches ever.
- Messi injury scare: Lionel Messi exited in the 73rd minute, clutching his left thigh, leaving his World Cup participation and Inter Miami’s future hanging in the balance.
- Suárez steps up: In Messi’s absence, Luis Suárez delivered a stunning hat trick, including the game-winner, to send Miami into the World Cup break in second place in the Eastern Conference.
First-Half Fireworks: Eight Goals, Pure Bedlam
The match began with a bang — and didn’t let up.
The Philadelphia Union stunned the home crowd early, racing to a 3-1 lead by the 20th minute. Milan Iloski led the charge with two quick goals, including a penalty kick after Dayne St. Clair fouled in the box.
But Inter Miami, embodying their resilient spirit, roared back. Behind Germán Berterame and Luis Suárez, they turned the tide, only for Iloski to complete a first-half hat trick with another penalty in stoppage time. The scoreline? 4-4 at halftime — an MLS record for most goals in a single half.
And in a moment that perfectly encapsulated the chaos, the referee had to stop play mid-match to replace his shoes after they literally fell apart.
Messi’s Exit Sends Shockwaves
The second half slowed down as torrential rain soaked the pitch. But the drama peaked in the 73rd minute, when Lionel Messi took a free kick and immediately grabbed the back of his left thigh.
Messi signaled for a substitution and walked off the field — not to the bench, but straight down the tunnel. For a player who’s expected to lead Argentina’s World Cup title defense in just a few weeks, the sight of him leaving the pitch sent shockwaves through the soccer world.
Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos called the decision precautionary, citing fatigue and the heavy field conditions. Messi was seen walking unaided into the tunnel, but his absence from the bench and post-match celebrations left fans and teammates alike deeply concerned.
Miami Holds On
Even without their captain, Inter Miami found a way to finish the job.
Luis Suárez, who has been in red-hot form, scored his third goal of the night in the 81st minute, putting Miami ahead 5-4. Then Rodrigo De Paul capped off the scoring in stoppage time, securing a 6-4 victory.
The win keeps Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points, just two behind leaders Nashville SC, as MLS pauses for the World Cup break.
What’s Next: All Eyes on Messi
For Inter Miami, the next 52 days will be about watching the World Cup and, more importantly, watching Messi.
Key dates:
- June 1: FIFA World Cup squad deadline. Will Messi officially commit to his sixth World Cup?
- June 16: Argentina begins their title defense against Algeria.
- July 22: MLS resumes with Miami hosting the Chicago Fire.
While Messi’s injury appears to be minor, his availability for the World Cup remains uncertain. Argentina’s hopes of defending their 2022 title rest heavily on their captain’s fitness — and for now, the soccer world can only wait.
— Inter Miami CF Desk | Coverage powered by Miami Herald, Goal.com, Olympics.com, and CBS Miami
