The Uruguayan forward and the Argentine maestro combined to help Miami to an important three points
Inter Miami returned to winning ways on Saturday as the defeated the New York Red Bulls 4-1 in MLS action. The result snapped a three-match losing streak across all competitions that saw them fall to the Vancouver Whitecaps twice in a two-legged CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal bout, and once more to FC Dallas on MLS Matchday 10.
Both Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi found the back of the net on Saturday, while the superstar attacking duo were joined by fullback Marcelo Weigandt and winger Fafa Picault with goals as well.
Picault opened the scoring early off a Suarez assist, before Weigandt doubled the lead 30 minutes into the match. The Uruguayan star added a third for Miami before the halftime break, capping off a dominant first half performance.
RBNY did earn a goal back before the midway point of the match, with former Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting tapping home on the back post – but it was one of very few scoring opportunities for the road side on the day. Miami's fourth, and ultimately the dagger, came from Messi himself as the Argentine scored a lovely solo goal to make it 4-1 with 23 minutes to spare.
It wasn't the best of performances from the reigning league MVP, but he snapped a four-game scoreless streak across all competitions to lift them to victory.
A huge three points, Miami is now on 21 on the season through 10 games played, and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at the end of the Matchday. After their midweek Champions Cup exit to Vancouver, it was a good rebound performance, and one that has put them back on track for the campaign.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's from Chase Stadium…
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Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Wasn't tested too often, but was reliable when called upon in net.
Marcelo Weigandt (7/10):
Scored Miami's second on the day, capitalizing on a clear-cut chance in the box. Defensively, an issue at times, but was lethal in transition.
Gonzalo Lujan (6/10):
Paired well with Allen. Little to no issues defending.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Near perfect in central defense. Solid in 1v1 defending and a big presence in aerial duels.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Veteran showing as usual. Defensively sound, and a threat going forward – just a classy showing.
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Tadeo Allende (5/10):
Removed at the halftime break after a rather uninfluential showing.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Solid as a deep-lying No. 6. Held up the ball well, progressed forward, and was a demanding presence centrally.
Yannick Bright (6/10):
Really physical showing. Was impressive alongside Busquets.
Fafa Picault (7/10):
Great work on scoring the opening goal. Lively on the flank, and had one of his best showings in a shirt so far this season.
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Lionel Messi (7/10):
Snapped a four game scoreless streak across all competitions. Struggled to get into the game until midway through second half, but he scored a fantastic effort for their fourth.
Luis Suarez (8/10):
Really lively showing. Broke his scoring drought while recording his sixth assist of the season in just the first half.
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Telasco Segovia (6/10):
Rather ineffective off the bench, but combined well in moments with Messi.
Benjamin Cremaschi (6/10):
Helped close out the match well with a high-press midfield performance.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Maintained a clean sheet after being subbed on – the best case scenario for a central defender being brought on off the bench.
Allen Obando (N/A):
Brought on late to close out the game.
Federico Redondo (N/A):
Subbed on with 13 minutes to spare to run the midfield until the final whistle blew.
Javier Mascherano (6/10):
A huge win. He got all the subs right and maximized minutes with Suarez on the pitch. However, something was still off.
Miami felt inefficient and broken at times. Multiple people were running into each other's lanes, and a lot of hands and fingers were pointed. It just felt disjointed. Perhaps it's the week they've had, but they lacked cohesion. Against an elite MLS side this season, a performance of this nature likely would not have sufficed.