Lionel Messi struck the emphatic final goal as Inter Miami snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 home win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday.
Messi found the net with an unstoppable left-footed strike from the center of the box following a one-two with Telasco Segovia midway through the second half to make sure of a much-needed victory for Miami.
It was Miami’s first game since losing both legs of its Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal with the Vancouver Whitecaps to see its hopes dashed of a first continental title.
In between, Javier Mascherano’s side had also lost in MLS for the first time this season, 4-3 at FC Dallas.
But it was a much more comfortable night for Miami on Saturday, starting with Fafà Picault‘s opening goal in the ninth minute.
Defender Marcelo Weigandt added a second on the half-hour mark before Luis Suárez found the net to end his nine-goal scoreless streak.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled a goal back for the Red Bulls shortly before halftime but Messi’s team-leading ninth goal of the season in all competitions ensured it would prove no more than a consolation
The result left Miami fourth in the Eastern Conference, ahead of a trip to face Minnesota United in a week’s time.
