Inter Miami CF delivered a commanding performance against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, July 19, 2025, securing a decisive 5-1 victory at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The match, part of the 2025 MLS Regular Season, saw Lionel Messi once again at the heart of Miami’s attacking prowess, contributing two goals and an assist to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the 14th minute. The goal, credited to New York Red Bulls’ defender Alexander Hack in the match summary, appeared to be an unfortunate own goal that gave Inter Miami an early lead. Just ten minutes later, veteran defender Jordi Alba doubled Miami’s advantage in the 24th minute, showcasing his attacking instincts from the left flank. The first half continued to be a nightmare for the Red Bulls, as Telasco Segovia netted a quick brace, scoring in the 27th minute and again in stoppage time (45’+3′), sending Inter Miami into halftime with a formidable 4-0 lead. While the Red Bulls managed to get one goal on the board during the match, their efforts were largely overshadowed by Miami’s relentless attack.
The second half saw Lionel Messi take center stage, further extending Inter Miami’s lead and dazzling the crowd. The Argentine maestro found the back of the net in the 60th minute, adding to his season’s tally. He wasn’t done yet, as he completed his brace in the 75th minute, capping off a stellar individual performance that also included an assist. Messi’s continued influence on the pitch has been a key factor in Inter Miami’s recent successes, transforming them into a formidable force in the league.
Match statistics highlighted Inter Miami’s control over the game. They maintained a significant possession advantage with 63.3% compared to the Red Bulls’ 36.7%. Miami also outshot their opponents, registering 8 shots on goal from 13 attempts, while the Red Bulls managed only 2 shots on goal from 9 attempts. Despite the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper making 3 saves to Miami’s 1, the sheer volume and quality of Miami’s chances proved overwhelming. Both teams accumulated yellow cards, with the Red Bulls receiving 2 and Inter Miami 3, indicating a competitive, albeit one-sided, encounter. Inter Miami also had more corner kicks, 4 to the Red Bulls’ 2, further demonstrating their offensive pressure. For detailed match statistics, you can refer to the ESPN match report.
This victory has significant implications for the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Inter Miami CF, with a record of 11 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws (11-5-4), now boasts 38 points from 20 games played, placing them 5th in the conference. This win helps them close the gap on top contenders like the Philadelphia Union (46 pts), FC Cincinnati (45 pts), and Nashville SC (44 pts). Conversely, the New York Red Bulls, with a record of 9 wins, 6 losses, and 8 draws (9-6-8), remain in 8th place with 33 points from 23 games. The Red Bulls will need to regroup quickly to improve their standing and secure a playoff spot in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami’s dominant performance underscores their ambition for the 2025 season. With key players like Messi, Alba, and Segovia consistently delivering, they are proving to be a serious contender. The Red Bulls, on the other hand, face the challenge of finding consistency and defensive solidity to climb out of the mid-table.
