Inter Miami secured their second-ever win at Nu Stadium in dramatic fashion, weathering a torrential downpour to defeat last-place Philadelphia Union 6-4 in a match for the ages.
The game got off to a nightmare start for Miami. Philadelphia's Milan Iloski beat keeper Dayne St. Clair in the fourth minute, exploiting a defensive breakdown. Minutes later, St. Clair surrendered a penalty, and the visitors found themselves trailing 2-0 by the 10th minute.
Then Lionel Messi took over. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner charged forward, first setting up Germán Berterame for a tap-in goal—the first of two for the striker. Luis Suárez completed a hat-trick, highlighted by an acrobatic finish after chesting the ball off Ian Fray's cross before firing past Union keeper Andre Blake. Rodrigo De Paul sealed the victory with a late counterattack goal.
The first half alone produced eight goals—marking the first time in MLS history that eight goals were scored in an opening period. The final 10 combined goals fell just short of the league record of 11 in a single game.
The major concern emerging from the night: Messi's premature exit. The Argentine star left the match in the 73rd minute with discomfort in his leg, clutching his hamstring. He walked directly to the locker room for medical treatment, raising questions about his availability with the 2026 World Cup less than 20 days away.
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Philadelphia Union
| Pos. | Player | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Dayne St. Clair | C- | Seven saves; kept Miami in the match despite early struggles. |
| RB | Ian Fray | B | Dynamic down the wing; assisted on Suárez's acrobatic goal. |
| CB | Gonzalo Luján | C- | Struggled to keep pace with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan. |
| CB | Micael | F | One of his worst performances; repeatedly beat by attackers. |
| LB | Sergio Reguilón | D | Failed to make any significant offensive contribution. |
| RM | Rodrigo De Paul | A | Scored the eventual winning goal; stellar form ahead of World Cup. |
| CM | Yannick Bright | B | Nine defensive contributions; most consistent Miami player of 2026. |
| LM | Telasco Segovia | D | Performance to forget; beaten several times by Iloski and Sullivan. |
| RW | Lionel Messi | B | Set up two assists before exiting with injury. |
| ST | Germán Berterame | B+ | Brace; remains in contention for Mexico World Cup roster. |