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Match Scoring Timeline
Progression of goals scored by Inter Miami and Colorado Rapids
Primary Sources
Inter Miami player ratings vs Colorado Rapids: Lionel Messi's ...
Getty Images SportApr 19, 2026 04:51+05:30The Rapids drew the second-most fans for a match in MLS history, but Lionel Messi reminded all in attendance why he is considered the greatest player to play the sport. DENVER -- It was the Colorado Rapids 30th anniversary of their first match. But Lionel Messi was keen to remind the nearly 76,000 in Colorado that it was his first-ever trip to Denver. And he did not disappoint. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was sensational at Empower Field, scoring two goals and assisting another to power the Herons to a 3-2 thriller over Colorado. The Rapids went down 2-0 in the first half, but responded with some magic of their own thanks to strikers Rafa Navarro and Darren Yapi. In the end, Messi was too difficult, too determined to overcome. In front of the second-largest crowd in MLS history, Messi got to work early after Yannick Bright was brought down in the box by Josh Atencio in the 17th minute. While the call was questionable, after a VAR was done, the Argentine clinically finished past Zack Steffen, sending the heavy Inter Miami contingent in the stands into party mode. And he wasn't just done yet in the first half. Messi took advantage of a poor turnover by Colorado near the box and found German Berterame on a perfect cross in the box to double the advantage. Yet, in the second half - perhaps due to Colorado's famed mile high altitude - the Rapids struck back. Rafa Navarro took on five defenders in space and cleanly slotted it past Dayne St. Clair - who should have stopped the striker's shot. Then Darren Yapi followed just six minutes later, capitalizing on what looked like yards of space to level. But in the end, Messi sent a timely reminder of why he is largely considered the greatest player of all-time as he got the ball in front of four defenders in the box and with an assassin's touch shot the ball past both Atencio and Lucas Herrington. It was a big moment for a Inter Miami side who hadn't won its last two fixtures. It was even bigger for Guillermo Hoyos, who was promoted to manager after Javier Mascherano abruptly left the club midweek. GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Empower Field...Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & DefenseDayne St. Clair (5/10):St. Clair is now seven games in on what was widely considered a blockbuster move to South Beach and his fit so far remains in question after another shaky start. He hasn't adapted to Miami's possession style of play, and he likely could have stopped at least one o...
Colorado Rapids 0 - [1] Inter Miami - Lionel Messi 18' : r/soccer
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Lionel Messi scores twice to lead Inter Miami CF over Rapids
Forward Lionel Messi (10) of the Inter Miami CF hugs teammate forward Germán Berterame (19) of the Inter Miami CF after Berterame's goal in a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April ...
Lionel Messi brace leads Inter Miami to crucial 3-2 win over Colorado ...
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami weather an early storm with a brace to secure a 3-2 victory and three vital points over the Colorado Rapids on Matchday 8 of the MLS at Empower Field. Despite the Colorado Rapids dominating the opening stages, Inter Miami took the lead in the 18th minute following a clinical penalty from Lionel Messi.
