Inter Miami Player Ratings: Messi’s Double Fuels 4-0 Rout of NYCFC

Inter Miami Player Ratings: Messi Leads the Charge in NYCFC Demolition

Inter Miami player ratings soared after a dominant 4-0 victory over New York City FC, with Lionel Messi stealing the spotlight at Citi Field. From the very first whistle, the Herons—spurred on by Messi’s brilliance—showed their intent, sending a clear message to the rest of Major League Soccer.

Messi’s Magic Sets the Tone

The match began with both sides exchanging early opportunities, but it was Inter Miami who capitalized. In the first half, Messi’s perfectly timed through ball found Baltasar Rodriguez, who calmly slotted home to open the scoring. This assist was just the first sign of Messi’s intent on the night, as he dictated the tempo and orchestrated Miami’s attack with characteristic vision.

Second Half Surge: Messi Strikes Twice

As the second half progressed, New York City FC pressed for an equalizer, but Inter Miami’s defense, marshaled by veteran leadership at the back, held firm. Then came the moment that turned the tide: in the 74th minute, Messi broke away and lofted a superb chip over goalkeeper Matt Freese for Miami’s second. The crowd erupted as his trademark composure shone through.

Momentum firmly in Miami’s favor, Luis Suarez returned from suspension to convert a penalty nine minutes later, extending the lead to 3-0. But Messi was not finished; with four minutes left, he dazzled past defenders for a solo effort, capping the rout and leaving NYCFC fans and neutrals alike in awe.

Full Inter Miami Player Ratings vs NYCFC

• Drake Callender (GK): 7 – Composed with key saves during NYCFC’s strongest spells.
• Jordi Alba: 7 – Supported the attack and kept NYCFC’s wide players quiet.
• Tomas Aviles: 7 – Confident and physical, winning key duels at the back.
• Serhiy Kryvtsov: 7 – Disciplined positioning and solid distribution.
• DeAndre Yedlin: 7 – Energetic on the right flank, contributed both ways.
• Baltasar Rodriguez: 8 – Scored the opener and worked tirelessly in midfield.
• Sergio Busquets: 7 – Controlled the tempo with his passing range.
• David Ruiz: 6 – Battled in midfield but picked up an early booking.
• Luis Suarez: 8 – Back from suspension, won and scored the penalty, linked play well.
• Robert Taylor: 7 – Provided width, created space for Messi and Suarez.
• Lionel Messi: 9 – Two goals, one assist, and orchestrated everything in attack.

Substitutes

• Noah Allen: 6 – Steady in relief.
• Julian Gressel: 6 – Helped see out the clean sheet.
• Benjamin Cremaschi: 6 – Added fresh legs in midfield.
• Leo Campana: 6 – Provided a late attacking option.

The Messi-Suarez Partnership: Miami’s Biggest Weapon

The return of Suarez and Messi’s sustained form could not have come at a better time for Inter Miami, who now look to cement their playoff position with five games remaining in the MLS regular season. This emphatic win highlighted the duo’s understanding and the fluidity of Miami’s attack when both are on the pitch. With Messi pushing for MVP honors and Suarez hungry for goals, Inter Miami’s ambitions are sky-high.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

After sweeping aside a competitive NYCFC side, Miami’s next fixtures include crucial battles with Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls. If they can replicate this level of intensity and creativity, they’ll be a feared opponent in the playoffs.

For those who follow Major League Soccer, this fixture was a statement of intent from Miami. Consistency remains the challenge, but with Messi and Suarez in tandem, the Herons are capable of magical nights and breathtaking football.

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Opinion: Miami’s Ceiling Rises With Messi’s Brilliance

Watching Messi dictate play, score twice, and lift his teammates raises the question: who in MLS can contain Inter Miami when their stars align? If Miami continues building on this chemistry, they could be on the cusp of something truly special this season.