[MLS] Messi’s Brace Powers Inter Miami to 3-2 Road Win over Colorado

(Denver = Won Jeong) Inter Miami CF secured a valuable road victory over the Colorado Rapids behind a brilliant brace from Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami defeated Colorado 3-2 in a 2026 MLS regular-season match held on April 18 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Messi scored twice to lead his team to victory.

Miami took control early in the match. In the 18th minute, Messi converted a penalty to open the scoring. Just before halftime, Germán Berterame doubled the lead with a header in stoppage time (45+5’), giving Miami a 2-0 advantage.

Trailing at the break, Colorado responded strongly in the second half. Rafael Navarro pulled one back in the 58th minute, and Darren Yapi equalized just four minutes later in the 62nd, leveling the match at 2-2.

However, it was Messi who ultimately decided the game. In the 79th minute, he carried the ball forward from midfield, cut through the defense, and fired a left-footed strike into the net for the winning goal.

There was late drama as well. Inter Miami were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute after Yannick Bright was sent off, but they held on to preserve the lead and secure all three points.

Colorado dominated much of the match, controlling approximately 62% of possession and outshooting Miami 14-6. However, Inter Miami made the most of their limited chances with clinical efficiency.

While Colorado controlled the game with organized attacks and quick transitions, they lacked finishing precision. In contrast, Miami capitalized on their opportunities, with Messi delivering decisive moments in attack.

Meanwhile, more than 75,000 fans packed the stadium, marking one of the highest attendances in MLS history. Both the spectacle and the result are expected to stand out as a defining moment for the league.