Lionel Messi had a free kick denied in the dying moments of the second half, resulting in a 2-2 draw for Inter Miami against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, leaving the team still searching for its first victory at the new stadium.
Messi assisted Mexico forward Germán Berterame for a goal in the second half, briefly giving Inter Miami the lead at Nu Stadium. However, Adri Mehmeti, just 17 years old, equalized in the 77th minute, marking his first career goal against the reigning MLS Cup champions and Messi.
– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026
– Suárez, 39, open to Uruguay return for World Cup
Miami also ended in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC last week during the inaugural match at their eagerly awaited new home.
Post-match, Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano expressed disappointment, stating, “I believe the team deserved more than what we got today. We paid dearly for some mistakes, which is part of football, but the players did everything to secure a win.”
“It leaves a bitter aftertaste, as the flow of the game was significantly different from the last match, yet the result remains the same, and ultimately, that’s what counts.”
Matteo Silvetti also contributed a goal for Inter Miami (3-1-3), extending their unbeaten streak to six MLS matches. The Red Bulls (3-2-2) managed to earn a point after letting an early 1-0 lead slip away.
Berterame’s goal seemed to position Inter Miami for control.
0:52
Messi’s run sets up Inter Miami’s go-ahead goal
Lionel Messi makes a run to the edge of the penalty area, allowing German Berterame to finish it off.
During the 55th minute, Messi was closely guarded by four defenders—two of whom were directly in front of him as he advanced towards the box—yet Berterame, positioned to Messi’s left, went unmarked.
Despite a deflected ball, Messi’s misplay turned fortuitous as it rolled directly to Berterame, who fired an immediate shot with his right foot, putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1. Messi was the first to celebrate, wrapping Berterame in a headlock after the goal.
This marked Berterame’s first goal for Inter Miami in his 10 appearances since transferring for $15 million this offseason.
“I try to stay away from social media to avoid negativity,” Berterame explained. “I prefer focusing on hard work and the patience that comes with being a forward. I knew the goal would come, just as it did today, and I hope now they will keep coming.”
However, youthful talent ensured the lead was short-lived. Julian Hall, 18, assisted Mehmeti with a perfect pass near the goal line for the equalizer.
Messi had a chance to score in the 49th minute from around 12 yards. He deftly maneuvered the ball after evading defender Matthew Dos Santos, but his shot went just wide as he fell.
Both teams had goals disallowed due to offside calls in the second half, including one for New York that was overturned on review. In the 94th minute, Messi’s 25-yard free kick was thwarted by Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
Report contributed by ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press.