Lionel Messi scored a wonderful winner as Inter Miami beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 in Guillermo Hoyos’ first game in charge, despite finishing with 10 men.
In action for the first time since Javier Mascherano’s shock resignation, Miami took a 2-0 lead into half-time following Messi’s penalty and German Berterame’s header, but the Rapids made a game of it after the break.
Celebrating their 30th anniversary in front of a 75,000-strong crowd at Empower Field at Mile High, Colorado got back on terms through Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi, only for Messi to curl into the far corner in the 79th minute.
Miami had Yannick Bright sent off for using foul and abusive language towards the officials late on, but they held on to go second in the Eastern Conference.
Even better from field level.
What a moment for Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/ogfZ2btH1C
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026
Colorado started well but shot themselves in the foot when Zack Steffen’s loose pass out to Josh Atencio was stepped onto by Bright. He was promptly fouled by Atencio, and Messi rolled the resulting spot-kick down the middle in the 18th minute.
Wayne Frederick and Paxten Aaronson had chances for the Rapids, but Miami got a second goal in first-half stoppage time when, from Mateo Silvetti’s hanging cross, Berterame nudged Kosi Thompson out of the way and powered a header past Steffen.
Colorado’s fightback started with a 58th-minute moment of magic from Navarro, who received the ball on halfway and slalomed his way into the area, beating Micael before slotting past Dayne St. Clair.
The equaliser arrived four minutes later, with substitute Yapi sliding his finish beneath St. Clair after being picked out by a lovely Lucas Herrington pass, and at that point, the Rapids looked the more likely victors.
But Messi had other ideas as he dribbled into the area before bending a trademark finish into the top-left corner, and even Bright’s late dismissal could not thwart Miami.
Data Debrief: Messi back on song as Colorado’s home run ends
Miami started life at the purpose-built Nu Stadium with 2-2 draws against Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls, with Messi failing to record a goal or assist in the latter game.
The Herons have failed to win the last 16 times Messi has played but not contributed to a goal, but they had no such issue on Saturday as he wowed the second-largest crowd in MLS history.
History made in Colorado. pic.twitter.com/IclWdmf4ab
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026
Messi had the joint-most shots (three) and the most shots on target (two) of any player on the pitch, while also playing more passes in the final third than any other Miami player (13).
Colorado saw their eight-game unbeaten run in regular-season action at home brought to a halt, having moved this game from their usual venue at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
