Lionel Messi scored a wonderful winner as Inter Miami beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 in Guillermo Hoyos’ first game in charge, despite finishing with 10 men. In action for the first time since Javier Mascherano’s shock resignation, Miami took a 2-0 lead into half-time following Messi’s penalty and German Berterame’s header, but the Rapids made […] The post Colorado Rapids 2-3 Inter Miami: Messi ensures winning start for interim boss Hoyos appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Messi had two goals, including a stunning 79th-minute winner, to give Inter Miami a victory in new interim coach Guillermo Hoyos' first match in charge Saturday.

Watch extended highlights of Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, player stats, results and goals from Copa del Rey, April 18, 2026 The post Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad Highlights and Goals appeared first on DasFootball.

Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami CF face off in a competitive Major League Soccer matchday, both aiming to climb the standings. Just minutes into the game, Lionel Messi lead the victory with a key brace in the MLS clash. Following the disappointing start of the 2026 MLS season, Javier Mascherano stepped down from Inter Miami, leaving head coach Guillermo Hoyos in charge of the team. Shortly after his departure, they now face Colorado Rapids, seeking a victory to end their negative run. While they have been dominated, Messi has already put them ahead, scoring a key penalty to open the scoring in the first minutes of the game. After a foul on Yannick Bright, the Herons strongly appealed for a penalty, prompting the referee to consult VAR. Following the review, the foul was awarded inside the box, with Joshua Atencio shown a yellow card. Taking responsibility from the spot, Messi struck a well-placed shot to score the opening goal and give his side the early advantage, beating Colorado Rapids‘ Zack Steffen. Never in doubt for Leo Messi. The perfect start for @InterMiamiCF at Mile High! 📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/J7xz7x8aQd pic.twitter.com/oZkSw5Q1Xv — Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026 Despite trailing, Colorado Rapids have shown an impressive attacking presence, emerging as the more proactive side in possession and consistently posing a forward threat. They have applied a high press and demonstrated a well-developed connection. As a result, Inter Miami continue to struggle against an opponent that appears capable of finding an equalizer and exposing the team’s ongoing issues. After conceding two goals to the Colorado Rapids in the second half, the Herons managed to turn the game around, thanks once again to Lionel Messi. Following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul from midfield, the veteran received the ball on the right wing, dribbled past three defenders, and fired a powerful shot past Zack Steffen once again. MESSI MAGIC AT MILE HIGH! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/cJaO56dDhI — Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026 Germán Berterame struggles to adapt with Messi at Inter Miami At the start of 2026, Inter Miami CF pursued the signing of Germán Berterame, aiming for him to replace Luis Suárez in the short term. After paying €12.6M to CF Monterrey from Liga MX, the Mexican forward arrived in MLS with high expectations. While he managed to score an important header against Colorado Rapids, he has yet to fully adapt to playing alongside Lionel Messi, exposing a clear lack of understanding on the pitch. Alongside Luis Suárez, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi has developed strong on-field chemistry, showing fluidity and consistently creating space for one another. However, Germán Berterame has managed just two goals and one assist in 10 matches for Inter Miami CF, lacking a clear connection with the Argentine. As a result, he has struggled to find space and contribute to the team’s collective play. Far from there being any issue between them, Lionel Messi has shown himself to be highly supportive of Germán Berterame, meaning their on-field connection could improve over time. After investing a significant fee in the Mexican, head coach Guillermo Hoyos now faces the key task of developing that chemistry and establishing them as the new attacking partnership, as Luis Suárez under contract only until December 2026 and expected to move on.

The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down. At Inter Miami, the spotlight once again falls on Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano after a sudden managerial departure that few saw coming. The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down. The Argentine coach’s resignation came shortly after a turbulent period for the club, which included inconsistent results and growing pressure on the squad. While early reports pointed to “personal reasons,” the timing and context have led to deeper scrutiny of what actually unfolded inside the dressing room. The Herons confirmed Javier Mascherano’s resignation through an official statement, where he said: “I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF.” He also added, “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star.” The coach left with an impressive 1.93 points-per-game average, the highest in club history, and just months after leading the club to its first MLS Cup title. Despite that success, the team’s recent form, including elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, created a more unstable atmosphere. The real reason behind the exit amid tensions talk While official messaging pointed to a clean departure, reports later suggested a more complex situation. A locker room argument after the 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls is believed to have been the final trigger behind Mascherano’s exit, according to sources briefed on the situation. The Athletic earlier reported that tensions had been building for weeks, particularly after the club’s Concacaf Champions Cup elimination. The frustration reportedly grew internally, creating an increasingly difficult environment. However, despite speculation, a Daily Mail insider dismissed the idea of a Messi-related fallout. “When they come, it’s ‘because he is Messi’s friend’. When they leave, it’s ‘because he is not Messi’s friend’,” the source said, pushing back on the narrative. Lionel Messi chats with Javier Mascherano, Head Coach of Inter Miami. The Messi and Mascherano dynamic Messi and Mascherano share a long history together, having played for both Argentina and Barcelona. That relationship carried into Miami, where both were seen as central figures in the club’s identity and leadership structure. Mascherano publicly described his exit as personal, but the lack of detail quickly sparked speculation. The same phrasing had been used in previous managerial changes at the club, which only added to doubts about the official explanation. The Daily Mail added that Mascherano had privately felt that his cycle at the club had naturally reached its end after winning major silverware, rather than being forced out abruptly. This version of events suggests a gradual decision rather than a sudden fallout.

Watch extended highlights of Chelsea and Manchester United, player stats, results and goals from Premier League, April 18, 2026 The post Chelsea vs Manchester United Highlights and Goals appeared first on DasFootball.

It’s no secret that Barcelona want to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, but he’s not the only Atletico Madrid player on their radar. Recently, it was confirmed that they hold an interest in Alexander Sorloth, whom they are much more likely to be able to afford. Sorloth has been a scourge for Barcelona in recent […] The post Atletico Madrid will not consider Barcelona offers for second striker target appeared first on Football España.

A response that explains the before and after of a club Leer

Manchester United are leading at Stamford Bridge thanks to Matheus Cunha’s opener, with Alejandro Garnacho unintentionally helping his former employers. Chelsea dominated possession during the first period and had several chances to score, but they failed to find the back of the net. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & […] The post “Too easy” – Man Utd fans delighted with Garnacho’s ‘assist’ appeared first on Stretty News.