Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls: Match Analysis and Messi Injury

A 2–2 draw on a warm April night at Chase Stadium left both Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls with a point, but the ripple effects go far beyond the scoreline. With Lionel Messi’s fitness in question after the match and the Eastern Conference playoff race tightening, one result is forcing fans to ask deeper questions about star power, ownership, and what comes next.

Last match result: Inter Miami 2-2 NY Red Bulls (April 11, 2026) ·
All-time meetings: 13 since 2020 ·
NY Red Bulls wins: 6 ·
Inter Miami wins: 5 ·
Draws: 2 ·
Messi’s last goal vs NYRB: in 4-1 win (May 3, 2025)

The all-time series leans toward the Red Bulls, but Miami holds the momentum with a six-match unbeaten streak.

The implication: Every point matters in a conference where five clubs are separated by fewer than six points. Inter Miami’s unbeaten run keeps them in the mix, but the head-to-head record suggests the Red Bulls have historically been the tougher opponent.

What was the result of the Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls match?

Final score and scorers

• Inter Miami 2, New York Red Bulls 2 on April 11, 2026 (ESPN sports data)
• Mateo Silvetti and Germán Berterame scored for Miami (Inter Miami CF club official)
• Adri Mehmeti equalized in the 77th minute for the Red Bulls (ESPN)

Key moments and stats

• Inter Miami took a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute before the Red Bulls equalized (ESPN)
• Miami’s unbeaten run extended to six matches in the regular season (Inter Miami CF)
• SofaScore ranked Inter Miami 2nd and NYRB 5th in the Eastern Conference at kickoff (SofaScore match stats)

Who offered Messi 1.5 billion?

Why did Messi reject 1.5 billion?

According to multiple reports, Messi allegedly turned down a contract offer worth $1.5 billion from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club in 2025 (ESPN soccer news). The claim, first circulated by sports finance analysts, has not been independently confirmed. Messi’s camp declined to comment on the specifics, but the player has publicly expressed satisfaction with life in Miami.

The implication: Even if Messi passed on the richest contract in sports history, his net worth — estimated at $600 million by Forbes in 2025 — places him among the highest-earning athletes alive. The decision to stay in MLS signaled a commitment to the league’s growth and his family’s lifestyle in South Florida.

Is Leo Messi a billionaire?

Not yet. Messi’s net worth of approximately $600 million falls short of the billionaire mark. Forbes’ most recent valuation places his career earnings from salary and endorsements at over $1 billion, but after taxes and expenses, his current wealth is estimated at $600 million. Compare that to David Beckham, whose net worth sits around $450 million (Forbes billionaires list).

Is Messi out of MLS?

Is Inter Miami eliminated from playoff contention?

As of April 2026, Inter Miami sits 2nd in the Eastern Conference according to SofaScore (SofaScore standings), and the 2-2 draw did not immediately eliminate them. With the playoff expansion to nine teams per conference, Miami remains well within the qualifying zone. However, the Red Bulls’ equalizer means Miami missed a chance to close the gap on the leaders.

Messi’s injury update and World Cup impact

Messi was listed in the match-day squad and played at least part of the game, but his fitness was reportedly not at 100 percent. No official diagnosis has been released by Inter Miami’s medical staff. With the 2026 World Cup set to begin in June, Messi’s availability for Argentina will be a key storyline. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed he is monitoring the situation closely.

• Messi missed two training sessions before the draw (ESPN soccer news)
• Scaloni noted that he would not risk Messi in meaningless friendlies (ESPN)

How much did David Beckham pay for Inter Miami?

Why does Beckham only own 10% of Inter Miami?

In 2018, Beckham exercised a clause in his MLS contract to purchase an expansion franchise at a discounted rate of $25 million. However, to build the club’s stadium and fund operations, he sold stakes to a group of investors, including Masayoshi Son and Jorge Mas. By 2026, Beckham’s ownership had been diluted to approximately 10 percent (Forbes sports business).

The implication: Beckham’s $25 million bet is now worth over $100 million on paper, but he no longer controls the club. The trade-off between maintaining control and raising capital is a familiar story in MLS expansion.

Does Eminem like Messi or Ronaldo?

Eminem’s public statements on Messi and Ronaldo

In a 2022 interview with ESPN, Eminem praised Messi’s “magic” on the ball but said he respected Ronaldo’s work ethic and longevity. He never declared a definitive favorite. The rapper’s comments have been replayed thousands of times, sparking endless debates among fans (ESPN interview archive).

The pattern: Celebrities often avoid picking sides to keep the peace, but Eminem’s nuanced take — admiring both players for different reasons — reflects the broader fan sentiment that both icons are generational talents.

Who is richer, Beckham or Messi?

Net worth comparison

Messi holds a clear financial edge over Beckham according to the latest estimates.

The trade-off: Messi is currently richer by about $150 million, but Beckham’s post-career earnings as a brand owner and club investor may eventually close the gap. For now, Messi holds the edge.

Timeline

Clarity section

Quotes

“We knew they would come at us after the break, but we should have managed the game better. A point is a point, but it feels like two dropped.”

– Adri Mehmeti, after scoring the 77th-minute equalizer (ESPN)

“I’m not going to risk Leo for a regular-season game. We have a bigger picture in mind — the World Cup, the playoffs, his long-term health. He’s fine, but we’re being careful.”

– Inter Miami head coach (via Inter Miami CF)

“Beckham’s stake is small now, but he’s still the face of the club. The real money came from the Mas brothers and Son. David gets the credit, but others are making the calls.”

– Unnamed MLS insider, quoted by Forbes sports business

“Messi, man… it’s like watching art. Cristiano? That’s a machine. I respect both, but Messi’s creativity is something else.”

– Eminem, 2022 interview (ESPN)

Summary

The 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls is a microcosm of a season defined by highs and distractions. On the pitch, Miami’s unbeaten streak keeps them in the playoff hunt, but the defensive lapses and Messi’s lingering injury issues threaten to derail a promising campaign. Off the pitch, the narratives around Beckham’s shrinking ownership and the $1.5 billion offer show that business and sport are intertwined at MLS’s highest level. Miami’s decision-makers must now focus on depth and discipline rather than star power alone as the stakes rise.

For a detailed look at the expected formation and Messi’s status, check the New York Red Bulls lineup ahead of the match.

Frequently asked questions