On July 9, 2025, Lionel Messi once again etched his name into Major League Soccer (MLS) history, delivering a breathtaking brace in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. This performance marked Messi as the first player in MLS history to score multiple goals in four consecutive league matches, propelling Inter Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 35 points. Under the guidance of head coach Javier Mascherano, the Herons extended their unbeaten streak to five matches, showcasing their resurgence after a challenging FIFA Club World Cup campaign. This article dives into the key moments of the match, Messi’s record-breaking feat, and what this means for Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS season.
Match Recap: A Tale of Messi’s Brilliance
First Half Fireworks
The match began with both teams probing for early dominance, but it was Messi who stole the show in the first half. In the 27th minute, New England defender Tanner Beason’s misplaced header gifted Messi a golden opportunity. The 38-year-old Argentine pounced, rifling a stunning left-footed volley past goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic to open the scoring. Just 11 minutes later, Messi showcased his timeless chemistry with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. A sublime through ball from Busquets found Messi’s perfectly timed run, and the maestro calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, doubling Inter Miami’s lead. These two goals, scored within an 11-minute span, underscored Messi’s clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on defensive errors.
New England’s Fightback
The New England Revolution, despite their struggles in the 2025 season (6-8-6, 24 points), refused to roll over. Led by captain Carles Gil, who has been involved in 57.7% of their goals this season, the Revs pushed back in the second half. In the 79th minute, Gil drilled a low shot past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made six crucial saves to preserve the lead. Despite generating a higher expected goals (xG) figure of 1.28 compared to Miami’s 1.09, New England couldn’t convert their chances, with former Miami striker Leonardo Campana and Luis Suárez both thwarted by Ustari’s heroics and a goal-line clearance by Peyton Miller.
Inter Miami’s Resilience
Inter Miami’s defense, anchored by Ustari and bolstered by the experience of Busquets and Jordi Alba, held firm under pressure. Coach Mascherano’s decision to keep Messi on the pitch, despite initial plans to rest him due to his heavy workload, proved pivotal. The victory, witnessed by 43,293 fans—the highest home attendance for New England this season—marked Inter Miami’s fourth consecutive MLS win, signaling their intent to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Messi’s Historic Milestone
Messi’s brace against New England cemented his place in MLS history as the first player to score multiple goals in four straight league games, a run that began with braces against CF Montréal, Columbus Crew, and Montréal again. His 14 goals in 15 MLS appearances this season, including 20 across all competitions, place him just two behind Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge for the league’s top scorer. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has scored 54 goals, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. His seven goals against New England alone—more than against any other MLS team—highlight his dominance over the Revs, including a hat-trick in a 6-2 rout on October 19, 2024.
Coach Javier Mascherano, a former Argentina and Barcelona teammate, praised Messi’s unparalleled impact: “Leo is a special player, the best in the sport’s history. He continues to do things that seem impossible at this stage.” Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with fans marveling at Messi’s 870th senior career goal and his 758th club goal, further solidifying his legacy as the greatest of all time (GOAT).
Key Factors Behind Inter Miami’s Success
Messi’s Leadership and Supporting Cast
Messi’s influence extends beyond his goals. His presence elevates teammates like Busquets, Suárez, and Alba, all former Barcelona stars who bring world-class experience to the MLS. Young talents like Baltasar Rodríguez and Benjamin Cremaschi have also thrived under Messi’s mentorship, with Rodríguez expressing excitement about potential new signings like Rodrigo De Paul, reportedly at Messi’s request. This blend of veteran brilliance and emerging talent has transformed Inter Miami from an MLS bottom-dweller in 2023 to a Supporters’ Shield winner in 2024 with a record 74 points.
Tactical Acumen Under Mascherano
Javier Mascherano’s appointment as head coach has brought stability and tactical flexibility. Despite a 4-0 loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, Mascherano has guided Inter Miami to a five-game unbeaten streak in MLS, leveraging their three games in hand to climb to fifth in the East. His decision to keep Messi on against New England, even after Gil’s goal, reflected a pragmatic approach to securing the win, though concerns linger about Messi’s workload after playing every minute of his last nine MLS matches and additional Club World Cup and Champions Cup games.
Momentum Post-Club World Cup
Inter Miami’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Messi scored a decisive goal against Porto, highlighted their growing global profile. Despite the PSG defeat, the Herons returned to MLS with renewed focus, as evidenced by their four consecutive victories. The team’s ability to balance international commitments with domestic success underscores their depth and ambition to chase a second straight Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Upcoming Challenges
Inter Miami faces Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on July 12, 2025, where Messi will aim to continue his scoring streak. With three games in hand, the Herons are well-positioned to challenge for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference, currently led by FC Cincinnati (42 points). However, Mascherano must manage Messi’s minutes carefully, given his heavy workload and the looming MLS playoffs, which begin with a best-of-three first-round series later in 2025.
Potential Risks
Concerns about Messi’s fitness are mounting, as he has played nearly every minute of Inter Miami’s recent matches. Mascherano’s initial plan to rest him against New England was scrapped due to the game’s intensity, highlighting the challenge of balancing star reliance with squad rotation. Injuries or fatigue could derail Inter Miami’s momentum, especially with a packed schedule ahead. Additionally, New England’s higher xG suggests opponents are creating quality chances, which could expose Miami’s defense in tighter contests.
Transfer Speculation
Rumors of Rodrigo De Paul’s potential move to Inter Miami, fueled by Messi’s influence, have sparked excitement. Young midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez told AFP, “Having another world champion would be something really special.” While Mascherano remained cautious, saying, “I don’t like to talk about players who aren’t part of our club,” such a signing could bolster Inter Miami’s midfield and enhance their playoff prospects.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch live updates on ESPN, MLS Season Pass, and World Soccer Talk, with match highlights available on YouTube and X. For real-time fan reactions, X posts offer a vibrant pulse, with users like @MLS and @alimo_philip celebrating Messi’s brace and historic milestone. Always verify information from social media with reputable sources like ESPN or Soccer America. Tickets for Inter Miami’s next home game against Nashville are available via Vivid Seats, starting at $45, though prices may rise as the playoffs approach.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s record-breaking brace against New England Revolution on July 9, 2025, was a testament to his enduring brilliance and Inter Miami’s rising stature in MLS. With a 2-1 victory, the Herons solidified their playoff contention while Messi added another chapter to his storied career. As Inter Miami builds momentum under Javier Mascherano, the question isn’t whether Messi can keep delivering—it’s how much higher he can take the Herons in their quest for MLS glory. Stay tuned for more magic from the GOAT and Inter Miami’s thrilling 2025 campaign.
Keywords: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, New England Revolution, MLS 2025, Messi brace, Javier Mascherano, Supporters’ Shield, MLS record, soccer highlights, Eastern Conference.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:51 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:51 pm | News Categories: Sports
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