In the heart of New Jersey, at Red Bull Arena, Inter Miami CF delivered a commanding performance against NY Red Bulls, securing a 4-1 lead by the 75th minute of the second half in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match on July 19, 2025. Led by an inspired Lionel Messi, who scored a stunning goal in the 60th minute, the Miami team imposed their rhythm from the start with goals from Jordi Alba and Telasco Segovia Perez, who found the net twice. The match, still ongoing, reflects Inter Miami’s tactical superiority, capitalizing on the opponent’s defensive lapses and dominating possession. The high-intensity game keeps fans on the edge of their seats as NY Red Bulls attempt a comeback.
The night began with NY Red Bulls taking the initiative, surprising with a goal from Alexander Hack in the 14th minute after a corner kick by Emil Forsberg. However, Inter Miami responded quickly, leveling the score with Jordi Alba in the 24th minute, assisted by Messi. The frenetic pace continued, with Segovia Perez scoring twice before halftime, in the 27th and 45+3rd minutes, securing the lead.
- Key moments of the first half:
- 14′: Goal by Alexander Hack (NY Red Bulls), opening the score.
- 24′: Jordi Alba equalizes for Inter Miami, assisted by Messi.
- 27′: Telasco Segovia Perez puts Inter Miami ahead.
- 45+3′: Segovia Perez extends the lead with another goal, setting the halftime score at 3-1.
The second half brought even more excitement, with Messi sealing his masterful performance in the 60th minute, dribbling past the defense and the goalkeeper to score a memorable goal that ignited the crowd.
Inter Miami’s tactical dominance
Inter Miami showcased tactical superiority, holding 66% possession by the 75th minute compared to NY Red Bulls’ 34%. The visiting team exploited the flanks, with Jordi Alba and Sérgio Busquets dictating the tempo in midfield. Despite NY Red Bulls’ solid home defense, with only one loss this season, they couldn’t contain the relentless attacks from Luis Suárez and Messi.
Coach Javier Mascherano, leading Inter Miami, opted for a 4-4-2 formation that balanced attack and defense, enabling quick transitions. Substitutions like Benjamin Cremaschi in the 65th minute maintained the team’s intensity. Meanwhile, NY Red Bulls, under Sandro Schwarz, tried to respond with midfield changes, such as Wikelman Carmona’s entry, but struggled with finishing accuracy.
- Factors behind Inter Miami’s dominance:
- Superior possession, with 66% control.
- Effective use of the flanks, led by Jordi Alba.
- High finishing efficiency, with 7 shots on target compared to the opponent’s 3.
- Decisive contributions from Messi and Segovia Perez in creating plays.
Timeline of key plays
The match was defined by critical moments that shaped the scoreline so far. Below is a timeline of the highlights:
- 14′: Alexander Hack opens the scoring for NY Red Bulls with a header from a corner.
- 24′: Jordi Alba equalizes with a precise shot, assisted by Messi.
- 27′: Telasco Segovia Perez turns the game around, capitalizing on Alba’s pass.
- 45+3′: Segovia Perez scores again, solidifying Inter Miami’s lead.
- 60′: Lionel Messi dribbles past the defense and goalkeeper, scoring a spectacular goal.
These moments reflect the match’s intensity, with Inter Miami capitalizing better on their chances. NY Red Bulls had opportunities, like shots from Emil Forsberg and Mohammed Sofo, but failed to convert.
Standout individual performances
Lionel Messi, as expected, was the game’s standout. Beyond his stunning 60th-minute goal, the Argentine was pivotal in playmaking, providing an assist for Jordi Alba’s goal. Telasco Segovia Perez also shone, scoring twice and proving his goal-scoring instinct in key moments. For NY Red Bulls, Emil Forsberg was the main playmaker, with an assist and several shot attempts, but he couldn’t prevent the deficit.
Luis Suárez, though yet to score, was crucial in the offensive press, with two shots on target saved by goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Inter Miami’s defense, led by Marcelo Weiganot, held firm against the hosts’ attacks, even under second-half pressure.
- Standout players:
- Lionel Messi: 1 goal, 1 assist, and on-field leadership.
- Telasco Segovia Perez: 2 goals, a key attacking piece.
- Jordi Alba: 1 goal and 1 assist, dominating the left flank.
- Emil Forsberg: 1 assist, NY Red Bulls’ main playmaker.
Recent history between the teams
The rivalry between NY Red Bulls and Inter Miami has been closely contested, with 11 matches played since 2017. NY Red Bulls won 6 times, while Inter Miami secured 5 victories, with no draws. The goal difference stands at 21-18 in favor of NY Red Bulls, but Inter Miami has gained momentum in recent clashes, like their 4-1 win in May 2025.
At Red Bull Arena, NY Red Bulls have a strong record, winning 3 of 5 home games against Inter Miami. However, Inter Miami’s away form this season, with 5 wins in 9 matches, shows their ability to perform on the road. The average of 4 goals per match in these encounters highlights their offensive nature.
Current state of the match
By the 75th minute, Inter Miami maintains control, with strategic substitutions like Yannick Bright and Tomas Aviles reinforcing the midfield and defense. NY Red Bulls, with Mohammed Sofo’s return from a brief injury, are pushing for a comeback but struggle to break through Inter Miami’s dominance. The Red Bull Arena crowd, known for its vibrant support, tries to rally the home team, but Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup remains confident.
The game remains open, with NY Red Bulls seeking gaps to close the scoreline. With their attacking flair, Inter Miami could further extend their lead. The match, already delivering high-quality moments, continues to captivate as a highlight of the MLS round.
Numbers defining the clash
Inter Miami has excelled in the MLS with a strong campaign, sitting 5th in the Eastern Conference with 38 points from 20 games. NY Red Bulls, in 8th with 33 points, struggle for consistency after a 5-game winless streak. Inter Miami’s 2.2 goals-per-game average contrasts with NY Red Bulls’ solid home defense, conceding just 10 goals in 10 matches.
- Match statistics so far:
- Possession: Inter Miami 66%, NY Red Bulls 34%.
- Shots on target: Inter Miami 7, NY Red Bulls 3.
- Corners: 2 for each team.
- Yellow cards: 3 for Inter Miami, 2 for NY Red Bulls.
Inter Miami’s finishing efficiency and ability to exploit errors have been decisive in the current scoreline.
What to expect in the final minutes
With the match still ongoing, Inter Miami aims to hold their lead and possibly extend it with the creativity of Messi and Suárez. NY Red Bulls are banking on set pieces and the speed of players like Forsberg to mount a comeback. The electric atmosphere at Red Bull Arena could boost the hosts, but Inter Miami’s tactical control poses a challenge.
This high-stakes encounter, already packed with quality moments, remains a standout in the MLS round, with Inter Miami reinforcing their status as a top contender. The final minutes will be crucial in determining whether NY Red Bulls can stage a recovery or if Inter Miami will seal another emphatic victory.
