AFCON 2025
Lionel Messi delivered a brace and two assists, powering Inter Miami CF to a 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
Jordi Alba added a goal and two assists, while Telasco Segovia also scored twice.
The Red Bulls struck first through Alexander Hack in the 15th minute, but Alba equalized in the 24th with a fierce shot, assisted by Messi’s pinpoint pass—his eighth assist of the 2025 MLS season.
Segovia completed the comeback in the 27th minute, converting Alba’s pass after Messi’s setup, marking his sixth goal and Messi’s ninth assist. This made Messi the fifth MLS player with 35+ goals and 25+ assists over two years, joining Robbie Keane, Sebastian Giovinco, Carlos Vela, and Cucho Hernández.
Segovia’s second goal in stoppage time secured a 3-1 halftime lead. Messi extended the advantage in the 60th minute, rounding the goalkeeper after a Busquets through ball, assisted by Alba.
Messi sealed the 5-1 scoreline in the 75th minute with a half-volley, assisted by Luis Suárez, taking his season tally to 18 goals to lead the Golden Boot race.
Suárez notched his 10th assist, while Alba and Busquets recorded their eighth and fifth assists, respectively.
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