Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass performance on Saturday, netting two crucial goals to guide Inter Miami to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City. The win extends Miami’s unbeaten streak to seven games, with the club now sitting at a 4-1-3 record in Major League Soccer.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Josh Atencio fouled Yannick Bright in the box. In first-half stoppage time, Germán Berterame doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Mateo Silvetti cross — his second goal in as many games. It was Berterame’s first career MLS start, making the moment all the more impressive.
Colorado’s Comeback Falls Short
The Rapids refused to go quietly. Rafael Navarro pulled one back in the 58th minute, taking his season tally to six goals, before substitute Darren Yapi levelled at 2-2 just minutes later on a sharp counter-attack. The match was suddenly alive, and Colorado sensed an upset.
Messi Seals It in Style
With the clock ticking toward the 80th minute, Messi picked up possession following a Colorado turnover near midfield, drove toward the penalty box, and curled a rising shot past two defenders and into the back post — a moment of pure brilliance. Despite Bright’s controversial red card in the 87th minute leaving Miami a man down, they held on comfortably.
Messi now leads the MLS scoring charts with seven goals this season, level with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa.