Messi scores as Inter Miami hit four to return to winning ways

Lionel Messi ended his recent goal drought as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium on Saturday, 3 may, bouncing back from their CONCACAF Champions Cup exit in emphatic fashion.

Miami had lost their previous three matches, including a 5-1 aggregate defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup semi-finals. But this convincing win in Major League Soccer provided a timely morale boost.

Fafa Picault opened the scoring in the ninth minute, lashing home at the far post after Luis Suárez flicked on a cross from Marcelo Weigandt. Weigandt then added his name to the scoresheet in the 30th minute. His diving header was initially saved by Carlos Coronel, but the Argentine was quickest to react and poked in the rebound. Although the goal was initially flagged offside, VAR overturned the decision.

Nine minutes later, Suárez made it 3-0. After his first shot was blocked, the Uruguayan regained possession and rifled home on the second attempt. The Red Bulls pulled one back before half-time when Omar Valencia's deep corner floated over goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and nestled into the far corner.

Miami maintained control in the second half, and Messi capped off the performance in the 67th minute. The Argentine forward exchanged passes with Telasco Segovia, shrugged off the challenge of Noah Eile, and slotted in with his left foot. It was Messi's first goal in five matches and helped lift Inter Miami to fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Elsewhere in MLS, Dylan Chambost scored his first goal for Columbus Crew in their 4-2 win over Charlotte. The Crew now lead the Eastern Conference with 24 points, two ahead of Philadelphia Union. The Union secured a 2-1 away win at Montreal thanks to an 84th-minute winner from Danish striker Mikael Uhre.

D.C. United also claimed three points, beating Colorado Rapids 2-1 with goals from Christian Benteke and Japanese midfielder Hosei Kijima.