Lionel Messi was the hero once again as Inter Miami secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids, handing new head coach Guillermo Hoyos a winning start.
In a match moved to the 75,000-capacity Empower Field at Mile High to accommodate the “Messi-mania” sweeping Denver, the Argentine icon delivered a vintage performance to rescue the reigning MLS champions.
Messi scored twice, including a stunning 79th-minute winner, as Miami started life after Javier Mascherano in style.
Hoyos, prebiously the club’s sporting director, has a 20-year history with Messi dating back to their time at Barcelona.
He said: “We have the greatest player in history, someone who completely shifts the momentum of matches.
“This continues the work we’ve been doing and the progress the team has been making – the team is the reigning MLS champion.
“We are a solid unit. Just look at the energy Inter Miami generates – how the opponents had to move to a larger stadium to accommodate it all – and contrast that with the quiet humility with which we have always tried to go about our business.”
After Yannick Bright was brought down in the box, Messi stepped up to coolly slot home the opening penalty. The lead was doubled just before the break when German Berterame, starting in place of the injured Tadeo Allende, headed home a flicked cross from Mateo Silvetti.
Rapids Fight Back
The second half saw a spirited comeback from the home side. Rafael Navarro pulled one back with a stunning solo effort in the 60th minute, before substitute Darren Yapi silenced the travelling Miami fans with an equalizer just four minutes later.
With the game hanging in the balance and the momentum firmly with Colorado, Messi once again proved why he is the difference-maker.
The World Cup winner latched onto a through ball from fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, danced past three defenders, and threaded a perfect shot into the far corner to seal the 3-2 win.
The only blemish on the night for Miami was a late red card for Bright, who was sent off for abusive language toward the officials during stoppage time.
Inter Miami now sit second in the Eastern Conference and will look to continue their momentum when they travel to face Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.
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