Lionel Messi’s Stunning Free-Kick Lifts Inter Miami to 3-2 Win: Watch the Highlights & Key Takeaways

Inter Miami CF just can’t stay out of the headlines. Over the last 48 hours the Herons have faced a dramatic red-card controversy, an injury scare for Lionel Messi and fresh optimism around a blockbuster contract extension that could keep the Argentine icon in Major League Soccer until 2028. Messi’s whirlwind week The alarm bells rang only ten minutes into Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup group-stage clash with Necaxa when Messi signaled to the bench and left the field clutching the back of his thigh. Club sources say initial scans revealed no serious muscle tear, but the 38-year-old will be evaluated daily ahead of Sunday’s MLS showdown against FC Cincinnati. Less than 24 hours later controversy erupted again: Messi was shown a straight red card for dissent as Inter Miami finished with ten men in a heated 2-1 loss to Atlanta, ending a run of nine unbeaten matches in all competitions. The ejection triggers an automatic one-game suspension, ruling him out of the Cincinnati fixture regardless of his fitness. 2028 contract talks accelerate Behind the scenes, club co-owner Jorge Mas has reportedly tabled a three-year extension that mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi deal and would keep Messi in South Florida through his 41st birthday. Negotiations are described as “advanced,” and sources close to the league expect MLS to approve an enhanced revenue-share model similar to the one that lured the World Cup champion to the United States in 2023. Midfield makeover: Rodrigo De Paul arrives Inter Miami have also reinforced their spine by landing Atlético Madrid and Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul on a $17 million transfer, beating out interest from Tottenham and Flamengo. The 31-year-old revealed Messi personally dialed him to pitch the move, calling Miami “the best place to keep winning with family nearby.” What it means for the playoff push Even after the midweek defeat, Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side sit third in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, averaging a league-best 2.1 goals per match. De Paul could debut as soon as August 8 against Orlando City, giving Miami an elite ball-winner beside Sergio Busquets while easing the creative burden on Messi. Key numbers • Messi 2025 tally: 24 goals, 11 assists in 29 appearances (all comps). • Inter Miami record with Messi starting: 22-4-3. • Average home attendance at Chase Stadium in 2025: 26,314 — an MLS record. What’s next The Herons host Cincinnati on Sunday without their captain but could clinch postseason qualification as early as next week. All eyes now turn to Thursday, when club and player representatives are expected to finalize terms on the proposed 2028 extension. If the deal crosses the line, Inter Miami will have secured not only the most recognizable name in world football but also the future of MLS’s global growth story.