Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami weather an early storm with a brace to secure a 3-2 victory and three vital points over the Colorado Rapids on Matchday 8 of the MLS at Empower Field.
Despite the Colorado Rapids dominating the opening stages, Inter Miami took the lead in the 18th minute following a clinical penalty from Lionel Messi. While the Rapids pressed relentlessly for an equalizer, the visitors struck again just seconds before the halftime whistle, with German Berterame finding the back of the net with a header to double the advantage.
Coming out of the break, it seemed the Herons would comfortably control the match with their two-goal cushion. However, the Rapids fought back as Rafael Navarro finished off a brilliant team move to restore hope at Empower Field. The stadium erupted just two minutes later when substitute Darren Yapi scored the equalizer, leveling the score and shifting the momentum entirely in favor of the hosts.
With Inter Miami struggling to cope with the pressure, Messi surfaced once again. The captain produced a moment of individual magic to score a fantastic winner, securing a vital victory for his side. With these three points, the Herons now sit just one point behind Nashville, firmly establishing themselves among the top spots in the standings.
