¡Sigue así! ¡Maravilloso!
Lionel Messi did what Lionel Messi does best — deliver magic. The Argentine maestro scored twice, including an unforgettable 79th-minute winner, to propel Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night. In Guillermo Hoyos’ debut as interim head coach, the Herons reminded everyone why they’re the team to watch in MLS.
The Goals, The Drama, The Messi Magic
Inter Miami wasted no time setting the tone. Just 13 minutes in, Yannick Bright drew a foul from Joshua Atencio inside the box, and Messi stepped up to the penalty spot. Cool, calm, clinical. 1-0 Miami.
As halftime approached, Mateo Silvetti delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Germán Berterame — the Mexican striker who’s been quietly turning heads all season — rose above the defense and smashed home a header. 2-0.
But Colorado wasn’t going to roll over. Rafael Navarro clawed one back in the 58th minute, and Darren Yapi leveled the score at 2-2 just four minutes later with a blistering counter-attack. Suddenly, the game was wide open.
And then, as if scripted, came the moment.
A misstep from Colorado near midfield. Messi picked up the ball, drove forward with that trademark low center of gravity, cut back toward the right corner of the box, and unleashed a shot that defied physics. Rising, curling, splitting two defenders, and nestling perfectly inside the far post.
3-2. 79th minute. Game over.
It was the kind of goal that only one player in the world could make look routine.
A Historic Night at Mile High
The stage was as grand as the performance. Empower Field at Mile High was packed to the rafters with 75,824 fans — the second-largest crowd in MLS history — all there to witness greatness.
The atmosphere was electric, and even when Yannick Bright saw red in the 87th minute, forcing Miami to finish the match with ten men, the Herons held their ground.
Messi’s brilliance didn’t just win the game; it silenced the crowd and reminded everyone why he’s still the king.
Hoyos’ Debut: A Coach Who Knows His Star
This game wasn’t just a showcase for Messi — it was the first under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, who stepped into the spotlight after Javier Mascherano’s sudden resignation earlier in the week.
Hoyos is no stranger to Messi. Their bond dates back over two decades to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where Hoyos helped shape a young Messi into the legend we know today.
After the match, Hoyos was equal parts humble and poetic in his press conference:
“The best coach in the world is actually out there on the pitch. We coaches are merely guides.”
He went on to praise the team’s quality, calling his debut a “beautiful experience because there are players of immense quality here, including the greatest player in history.”
With Messi as his north star, Hoyos seems ready to steer Miami through this transitional moment.
Where Miami Stands
Saturday’s win was more than just a thrilling game — it was a statement. Here’s how Miami is shaping up so far this season:
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Current Record | 4-1-3 |
| Unbeaten Streak | 7 games |
| Last Loss | Season opener vs. LAFC (3-0) |
| Messi Goals (2026) | 7 — tied for MLS lead |
Messi’s seven goals have him tied with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for the league lead. At 38 years old, he’s still the most electrifying player in MLS — and it’s not even close.
The Vibe Check
Let’s be honest: Mascherano’s departure hurt. He was the architect of Miami’s first MLS Cup title, and losing him after just four months felt like a gut punch.
But Saturday night was a reminder that as long as Lionel Messi is wearing pink and black, Inter Miami is never far from magic.
Seven games unbeaten. A new coach who knows how to let Messi be Messi. And a team that refuses to back down, even when the odds are stacked against them.
The Dolphins might be blowing it up across town, but Inter Miami? They’re just getting started.
Que siga el show 🙂
Sources: ESPN, Miami Herald, Inter Miami CF
