The Eastern Conference leaders staged a remarkable comeback after trailing 1-0 at halftime, thanks to the introduction of two-goal substitute Matias Rojas.
The Red Bulls had previously defeated Messi-less Miami 4-0 in New York back in March, but Inter more than made up for that loss with their relentless second-half performance. Dante Vanzeir had given New York the lead in the 30th minute, finishing off a rebound from Wikelman Carmona’s shot that struck the post, following a brilliant through pass from Emil Forsberg.
Inter Miami’s lackluster first-half display was transformed by Gerardo Martino’s halftime substitution. Rojas, brought on for the second half, made an immediate impact just three minutes in, collecting a pass from Messi and evading two defenders before unleashing an “unstoppable drive from 25 yards out.”
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Messi then put Miami ahead after Rojas disposed of Carmona and found Suarez, who set up the Argentine for a clinical finish. The World Cup winner turned provider once more, splitting the New York defense with a “brilliant through ball” to Rojas, who deftly chipped over the advancing Carlos Coronel.
Watch Lionel Messi’s heroics against New York Red Bulls:
Suarez’s hat-trick came within a span of 12 minutes. First, I volleyed home a chipped ball from Messi. Minutes later, Suarez played a one-two with Messi before poking the ball into the net, making it 5-1. Messi was again the creator for Miami’s sixth goal, which Suarez turned in from close range at the tightest of angles.
New York, who entered the game third in the Eastern Conference, scored a late consolation penalty through Forsberg in the final seconds.
(Inputs from AP)
