Messi’s Magic Strikes Again: Inter Miami Outshines New England in 2-1 Thriller
On a balmy evening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s hailed as the greatest footballer of all time. The Argentine maestro orchestrated a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami CF against the New England Revolution on July 9, 2025, scoring a breathtaking brace in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With this performance, Messi etched his name deeper into MLS history, becoming the first player to score multiple goals in four consecutive league matches, a feat that underscores his relentless brilliance at age 38.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but Inter Miami, fresh off a month-long hiatus for the FIFA Club World Cup, showed early intent. New England, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference and desperate for points to climb into playoff contention, pressed high to disrupt Miami’s rhythm. However, it was a defensive lapse that gifted Messi his first opportunity in the 27th minute. A poor clearance from a Revolution defender landed at Messi’s feet, and with the poise of a seasoned predator, he rifled a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič to give Miami a 1-0 lead. The crowd, a mix of New England loyalists and Messi fans, erupted as the ball hit the net.
Eleven minutes later, Messi struck again, this time showcasing his telepathic connection with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. A perfectly weighted pass from Busquets found Messi in stride, and the Inter Miami captain danced past two defenders before slotting a clinical finish into the bottom corner. The 2-0 lead felt commanding, but New England wasn’t ready to roll over. “The first 27 minutes went as planned,” Revolution coach Caleb Porter admitted post-match. “But we’re talking about the best player in the world, and he’ll punish you.”
The second half saw New England mount a comeback, driven by their own star, Carles Gil. In the 80th minute, Gil unleashed a stunning long-range strike that curled past Inter Miami’s Drake Callender, igniting hope among the home fans. The final 10 minutes were a frenetic affair, with New England throwing everything forward and Messi nearly adding a third goal, only to be thwarted by desperate defending. Despite the late pressure, Inter Miami held firm, securing three crucial points to solidify their sixth-place standing in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 17 matches.
Messi’s Historic Streak
Messi’s performance wasn’t just about the goals; it was a masterclass in dictating the game’s tempo. His brace brought his 2025 MLS tally to 14 goals and 7 assists in just 16 league matches, with 20 goals across all competitions since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. This latest display marked his fourth consecutive MLS game with multiple goals, a record-breaking achievement that places him alongside legends like Thierry Henry, who last accomplished a similar feat in 2012.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s at Barcelona and with Argentina, faced a tactical dilemma. With a grueling July schedule of seven matches in 25 days, Mascherano had considered resting the 38-year-old star. “We wanted to give him some rest, maybe in this game,” Mascherano said. “But after New England scored, we were under pressure. So, we kept him on the pitch.” Messi’s presence proved decisive, as his composure under pressure steadied Miami’s defense in the closing stages.
New England’s Valiant Effort
For the New England Revolution, the loss was a bitter pill. Despite their spirited second-half push, they couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Carles Gil’s 80th-minute golazo was a highlight, showcasing why he remains one of MLS’s most creative midfielders. “We showed fight, but against a player like Messi, you can’t afford mistakes,” Porter reflected. The Revolution’s recent 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers had already dented their playoff hopes, and this defeat left them languishing outside the postseason spots.
New England’s fans, clad in the team’s “Boston Tea Party” kits, gave their side a standing ovation for their resilience. The atmosphere at Gillette Stadium was electric, with Messi’s every touch drawing cheers and jeers alike. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one fan noting, “A loud ovation for Messi as he leaves the field after scoring 2 goals in his team’s 2-1 win over the Revs.”
The Bigger Picture
Inter Miami’s victory was more than a single game’s result; it was a statement of intent. After a historic FIFA Club World Cup run, where they became the first MLS team to advance to the knockout rounds before falling 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, Miami returned to MLS action with a point to prove. Their 4-1 demolition of CF Montréal just days earlier, where Messi also scored twice and provided an assist, set the stage for this performance.
With four games in hand over the teams above them, Inter Miami’s 32 points position them as serious contenders for the Supporters’ Shield they won in 2024. Messi’s individual brilliance, coupled with contributions from Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and emerging talents like Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, makes Miami a formidable force. “It’s not just about Leo,” Mascherano emphasized. “The team showed character to hold on under pressure.”
Looking Ahead
As Inter Miami prepares for their next match against Nashville SC on July 12, Mascherano faces the challenge of managing Messi’s minutes in a packed schedule that includes the upcoming Leagues Cup. For New England, the focus shifts to their weekend clash with Austin FC, where they’ll aim to reignite their playoff push.
For now, though, the spotlight remains on Messi, whose magic continues to light up MLS. As one X post aptly put it, “Another day, another Lionel Messi brace 🐐🔥.” In a league still adjusting to his presence, Messi’s performance against New England was a reminder that, even in his twilight years, he remains a force of nature.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 10:39 am by Sai Karthik Munnuru | Published by: Sai Karthik Munnuru on Thursday, July 10, 2025 10:39 am | News Categories: Trending
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