Messi's Magic Strikes Again! Inter Miami Crushes New York Red Bulls 5-1 with Another Stunning Brace

Inter Miami CF returned to winning form on Saturday evening versus the New York Red Bulls, netting five goals beyond keeper Carlos Coronel despite conceding the opening goal within just 15 minutes of kickoff.

With double strikes from Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia and a strike from Jordi Alba, the victory elevated Miami to 41 points across 21 matches, maintaining their pursuit of the MLS summit and Eastern Conference leadership, before next week's encounter with FC Cincinnati.

After suffering a 3–0 defeat in midweek against Cincinnati, securing three points was vital for the Herons to halt any prolonged downturn and also completed a season double over the Red Bulls, having previously defeated them 4–1 in May.

Here are Sports Illustrated's observations from the encounter.

Messi Spearheads the Charge Once More

Without Lionel Messi, what position would this Inter Miami squad find themselves in? Yet again, the compact Argentine spearheaded the attack, recording his sixth double in seven outings, taking his seasonal tally to 17 goals.

Simultaneously, his pair of assists established him as the fifth player in MLS history to achieve at least 35 goals and 25 assists across a two-season period, joining the company of Cucho Hérnandez, Carlos Vela, Sebastian Giovinco and Robbie Keane, who had accomplished this previously.

Though the 38-year-old appeared to be laboring against FC Cincinnati in midweek, his capacity to rapidly recover and manage the journey to Cincinnati, back to Miami and onward to New Jersey is remarkable. Particularly as he continues to enhance those surrounding him.

Messi concluded the evening with 18 league strikes, matching Nashville SC's Sam Surridge for the MLS Golden Boot, and he remains the most crucial player in the competition and is the standout Inter Miami will require at peak performance if they are to capture the Leagues Cup, Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup this campaign.

Should Inter Miami Consider Squad Rotation?

For most clubs, the necessity to rotate players based on fatigue and freshness is evident. However, it might not be as significant for Inter Miami and head coach Javier Mascherano, who consistently permits his experienced players to complete full 90-minute contests.

Despite appearing weary in the defeat to Cincinnati, Miami dominated proceedings after conceding early against New York, with Messi and Alba among the veterans finding the net, while 22-year-old Telasco Segovia also contributed a brace.

This season across all competitions, Messi has featured in 23 matches where he played over 80 minutes, while Busquets records 25. That represents a substantial workload for any player, but especially for veterans like them, who continue to excel despite some of the heaviest demands in the league.

While the absence of rotation might indicate the club's limited depth at MLS standard, it also demonstrates the fitness and commitment of the key players, who continue to deliver nearly every match, with infrequent poor performances, as witnessed against Cincinnati.

Since the campaign began, supporters and media have recommended Mascherano implement more rotation. Nevertheless, he hasn't, and the team has remained among the elite in MLS.

Luis Suárez's Adaptations

Messi might be in excellent form in attack for Inter Miami, but the same cannot be stated for Luis Suárez, who has failed to score in his previous five MLS fixtures, stretching back to May 31 versus Columbus Crew SC.

While Miami have consistently generated substantial attacking chances and production, the Uruguayan striker has been transformed into a creator and distraction to enable Messi to find space and shoulder the offensive burden. However, he also maintains 10 assists for 15 goal involvements.

Against the Red Bulls, he couldn't convert two attempts, but registered 57 touches and created three opportunities.

Despite collecting an assist, there was clear frustration visible in Suárez's demeanor throughout Saturday's fixture, as he battled to position himself in scoring situations. Nevertheless, while forwards will always be assessed on their goal-scoring production, Suárez's evolution into a dangerous assist-oriented player has been vital.

The primary question for Inter Miami going forward, however, is how to utilize Suárez. Indeed, he has been a beneficial player for most of the season. Yet, between Allen Obando, Fafa Picault or a potential summer signing, there might be a more appealing and effective option in that role, partnering Messi.

For the present, though, there's no justification to alter—it's six victories in seven matches for Miami, and they're soaring heading into next week's payback encounter against FC Cincinnati.