Messi Leads Inter Miami to 3-2 Win Over Rapids, Extends Unbeaten Streak

Lionel Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami beat Colorado Rapids to make it seven games unbeaten.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a soccer match, with fragmented shapes and planes in shades of pink, teal, burgundy, and blue representing the players' movements and the ball's trajectory.Lionel Messi's late heroics lift Inter Miami to a hard-fought victory over the Colorado Rapids.Today in Miami

Lionel Messi scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 79th minute, as Inter Miami defeated the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday. Germán Berterame also scored for Miami, who extended their unbeaten streak to seven games. The Rapids got goals from Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi, but couldn't overcome Messi's heroics.

Why it matters

Messi's performance continues to lift Inter Miami, who are now firmly in playoff position in the MLS Eastern Conference. The win also extends Miami's unbeaten run to seven games, a significant turnaround after a season-opening loss to LAFC.

The details

Messi opened the scoring with a 13th minute penalty kick, and Berterame made it 2-0 just before halftime. The Rapids pulled level in the second half with goals from Navarro and Yapi, but Messi's late strike proved to be the winner. Miami played the final few minutes a man down after Yannick Bright was sent off with a red card.

  • Messi scored on a 13th minute penalty kick.
  • Berterame scored in the 5th minute of first-half stoppage time.
  • Navarro scored for the Rapids in the 58th minute.
  • Yapi equalized for the Rapids in the 62nd minute.
  • Messi scored the game-winning goal in the 79th minute.

The players

Lionel Messi

A superstar forward for Inter Miami who scored two goals in the win, including the late game-winner.

Germán Berterame

An Inter Miami forward who scored his first goal of the season to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Rafael Navarro

A Colorado Rapids forward who scored in the 58th minute to pull his team within one goal.

Darren Yapi

A Colorado Rapids forward who scored in the 62nd minute to tie the game at 2-2.

Yannick Bright

An Inter Miami player who was sent off with a red card in the 87th minute, forcing his team to play a man down.

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What they’re saying

“Lionel Messi continues to show why he's one of the best players in the world. His two goals were crucial in getting us this important win.”

— Phil Neville, Inter Miami Head Coach

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to continue their hot streak when they host the New York Red Bulls on April 29. The Rapids will try to bounce back at home against the Seattle Sounders on April 22.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's heroics have lifted Inter Miami into playoff position in the MLS Eastern Conference. The team's seven-game unbeaten run shows they are rounding into form after a slow start to the season.