In a thrilling showdown on April 11, 2026, Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls played to a 2-2 draw at Nu Stadium in Miami. The match showcased the talents of both teams, with Lionel Messi once again taking center stage as he assisted Germán Berterame’s equalizing goal in the second half.
The game began with an early strike from Jorge Ruvalcaba, who put the Red Bulls ahead in the 15th minute. However, Inter Miami responded with vigor, with Mateo Silvetti scoring just before halftime in the 45+2 minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The first half saw both teams exchanging chances, but it was Ruvalcaba’s goal that set the tone early on.
As the second half unfolded, Messi’s influence grew. In the 55th minute, he delivered a pinpoint assist to Berterame, who found the back of the net, giving Inter Miami a brief lead. This marked a significant moment for Berterame, who expressed hope that this goal would open the floodgates for more to come, stating, “I hope that now the floodgates have opened, and they’ll keep coming.”
However, the Red Bulls were not to be outdone. Adri Mehmeti equalized in the 77th minute, ensuring that both teams walked away with a point. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both sides, with Julian Hall playing a crucial role for New York, assisting both of their goals.
Despite the draw, Inter Miami remains unbeaten in its last six MLS matches, a streak that has bolstered their confidence as they continue to search for their first victory at their new stadium. They have yet to hold a lead in the venue, having played 150 minutes without doing so. This statistic adds a layer of urgency to their upcoming matches, including their next fixture against the Colorado Rapids on April 18.
On the other hand, the New York Red Bulls are struggling, with only one win in their last five matches. Their performance against Inter Miami, while commendable, highlights ongoing challenges as they seek to regain form in the league. Coach Javier Mascherano noted, “When we tied 1-1, we thought we had to go get it. At the end, the result is what it is,” reflecting the mixed feelings following the match.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this encounter. For Inter Miami, the draw is a stepping stone as they aim to capitalize on their recent unbeaten run. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will need to find consistency to climb the Eastern Conference standings, where they currently sit with just 11 points, compared to Inter Miami’s 11 points from three wins and one loss this season.
With Lionel Messi in the starting lineup and the match broadcasted on Apple TV, the excitement surrounding this encounter was palpable. Fans from both sides left Nu Stadium with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in the MLS season.
