Inter Miami CF leads the score 3-1 against NY Red Bulls at halftime in an electrifying Major League Soccer match held at Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. With goals from Jordi Alba and two from Telasco Jose Segovia Perez, Lionel Messi’s team turned the game around after Alexander Hack opened the scoring for the hosts. The match, still ongoing, highlights Inter Miami’s offensive strength, driven by assists from Messi and Alba. The game, part of the MLS regular season, showcases the intensity of a direct clash in the Eastern Conference, with both teams aiming to solidify their positions in the standings.
The NY Red Bulls started pressing, capitalizing on the home advantage. At 14 minutes, Alexander Hack scored after a precise assist from Emil Forsberg, putting the hosts ahead. However, Inter Miami responded quickly, with Jordi Alba tying the game at 24 minutes in a play set up by Messi. The comeback came with Telasco Jose Segovia Perez, who scored twice in under 20 minutes, securing the lead. The game remains open, with chances for both sides.
- Key moments of the first half:
- 14′: Goal by Alexander Hack for NY Red Bulls, assisted by Emil Forsberg.
- 24′: Jordi Alba ties for Inter Miami, assisted by Lionel Messi.
- 27′: Telasco Jose Segovia Perez scores Inter Miami’s second, assisted by Jordi Alba.
- 45+3′: Segovia Perez extends the lead with another goal.
- 45+6′: Yellow card for Marcelo Weiganot of Inter Miami in a disputed play.
Inter Miami’s lethal attack
Inter Miami showed efficiency in attack, capitalizing on created opportunities. Lionel Messi, though not scoring, was pivotal with a precise assist for Jordi Alba’s goal. The Spanish full-back, known for his time at Barcelona, displayed quality in both defense and attack, scoring and assisting. Telasco Jose Segovia Perez, a young prospect, was the standout with two goals, taking advantage of offensive movement and playmaking from the left. Javier Mascherano’s team maintains an attacking style, with ball possession and quick transitions.
The NY Red Bulls, on the other hand, struggled to maintain consistency after the opening goal. Emil Forsberg, the team’s main playmaker, created chances but the defense faltered under the opponent’s pressure. The home team had moments of possession but was hindered by goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo’s saves and finishing errors, such as Forsberg’s shot off target at 30 minutes.
Decisive moments of the match
The first half was marked by a sequence of plays that shifted the game’s momentum. After the NY Red Bulls’ initial goal, Inter Miami took control with plays down the flanks. Jordi Alba, at 24 minutes, received a pinpoint pass from Messi and finished with precision. Three minutes later, Segovia Perez capitalized on a cross from Alba to take the lead. In stoppage time, Segovia Perez scored again, solidifying the advantage.
- Plays that shaped the score:
- Messi’s assist to Alba, exploiting the opposing defense.
- Alba’s precise cross for Segovia Perez’s first goal.
- Segovia Perez’s finish in stoppage time, after a defensive error by NY Red Bulls.
- Rocco Rios Novo’s save on Ake Arnaud Loba’s shot at 7 minutes.
The game also saw tense moments, with three yellow cards issued. Telasco Jose Segovia Perez, Maximiliano Joel Falcon Picart, and Marcelo Weiganot, all from Inter Miami, were booked, while Ronald Donkor of NY Red Bulls also received a card.
Teams’ strength in the season
Inter Miami comes into the match on a three-game winning streak in the MLS, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points. The team, led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, boasts one of the league’s most potent attacks, with 44 goals in 20 games. Suárez, with nine assists, and Messi, with 16 goals, form a duo that challenges any defense. Their away record is solid, with five wins in nine games.
NY Red Bulls, eighth with 33 points, are in an inconsistent phase, winless in their last five games. Still, the team performs well at home, with seven wins in ten matches. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with 11 goals, is the main offensive weapon, while Omar Valencia leads in assists with five. The Red Bull Arena, known for its vibrant atmosphere, remains a key asset for the team.
Tactical plays in focus
Tactically, Inter Miami employed a 4-4-2 with an emphasis on the flanks, leveraging Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende’s speed. Sérgio Busquets provided balance in midfield, while Federico Redondo Solari aided in playmaking. NY Red Bulls, also in a 4-4-2, sought to press with Emil Forsberg and Julian Hall but lacked precision in finishing.
- Tactics that shaped the game:
- Inter Miami’s 58% ball possession in the first half.
- NY Red Bulls’ high press in the first 15 minutes.
- Inter Miami’s quick transitions down the flanks.
- NY Red Bulls’ defensive lapses on aerial plays.
- Sérgio Busquets’ solid performance in containment.
The head-to-head record shows balance. In the last 11 games, NY Red Bulls won six, while Inter Miami won five, with no draws. The goal difference (21-18 for NY Red Bulls) underscores the competitiveness of the matchup. This season, Inter Miami won the last encounter, a 4-1 thrashing.
Detailed first-half timeline
The match was marked by intense moments, with plays that defined the scoreline. The timeline below highlights key events:
- 14 minutes: Alexander Hack opens the scoring for NY Red Bulls after a corner from Emil Forsberg.
- 24 minutes: Jordi Alba ties with a strong shot, assisted by Lionel Messi.
- 27 minutes: Telasco Jose Segovia Perez takes the lead, finishing Alba’s cross.
- 34 minutes: Yellow card for Ronald Donkor of NY Red Bulls for a hard foul.
- 45+3 minutes: Segovia Perez scores Inter Miami’s third, capitalizing on a defensive error.
Expectations for the second half
With a favorable score, Inter Miami is likely to maintain an attacking posture, looking to exploit counterattacks. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, yet to score, remain constant threats. NY Red Bulls need to adjust their defense and improve finishing to mount a comeback. Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are the hopes for a turnaround. The match continues with the potential for more excitement at Red Bull Arena.
Recent history and rivalry
The NY Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami matchup has become a modern classic in the MLS. In the last five games, Inter Miami won three, including a 6-2 rout in 2024. NY Red Bulls, however, hold an edge at home, with notable wins like the 4-0 last season. The rivalry grows with stars like Messi elevating the technical level of the duel.
- Historical facts of the matchup:
- NY Red Bulls have 9 goals to Inter Miami’s 5 at Red Bull Arena.
- Inter Miami won the last two away games against NY Red Bulls.
- Average of 4 goals per game in the last five matchups.
- Forsberg and Messi are the standout individual performers.
The game continues with high intensity, and the Red Bull Arena crowd hopes for a home team reaction. The blend of individual talent and tactical strategies promises a competitive second half, with both teams vying for crucial points in the standings.
