Teenagers Steal the Show in Thrilling 2-2 Draw Between Inter Miami and Red Bulls

Messi's heroics not enough as young stars Mehmeti and Hall shine in MLS clash

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a soccer match, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the energy and unpredictability of the game.A cubist interpretation of the thrilling draw between Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls, where young stars stole the spotlight from Lionel Messi.Today in Miami

In a marquee MLS matchup between Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls, the game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw that saw teenage stars Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall steal the spotlight from Lionel Messi. Despite Messi's efforts to lead Inter Miami to victory, the young players on both sides delivered clutch performances to earn a point for their teams.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the rising talent in MLS, with young players like Mehmeti and Hall making an impact against established stars like Messi. It showcases the league's ability to develop and feature the next generation of soccer stars, adding excitement and unpredictability to the competition.

The details

Inter Miami took an early lead through a goal by Germán Berterame, set up by a Messi assist. But the Red Bulls equalized before halftime and then took the lead in the second half through 18-year-old Julian Hall. Just when it seemed Inter Miami would hold on for the win, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti scored the tying goal in the 77th minute to salvage a point for the Red Bulls.

  • The game took place on April 8, 2026.
  • Messi scored two goals in a Champions League match on April 6, 2009.
  • Adri Mehmeti was born two days before Messi's historic brace, on April 6, 2009.

The players

Lionel Messi

A legendary Argentine soccer player who currently plays for Inter Miami CF in MLS.

Adri Mehmeti

A 17-year-old player for the New York Red Bulls who scored the tying goal in the 77th minute.

Julian Hall

An 18-year-old player for the New York Red Bulls who assisted on the tying goal.

Germán Berterame

A player for Inter Miami CF who scored the go-ahead goal in the second half.

Ethan Horvath

The goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls who made a crucial save to preserve the 2-2 draw.

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What’s next

The two teams will meet again on June 15, 2026 in a highly anticipated rematch at Red Bull Arena.

The takeaway

This game showcased the rising talent in MLS, with young players like Mehmeti and Hall making an impact against established stars like Messi. It demonstrates the league's ability to develop the next generation of soccer stars and add excitement to the competition.