Lionel Messi ran Inter Miami’s attack in a 2-2 MLS draw against New York Red Bulls at Nu Stadium, earning a 9 Sofascore Rating. He didn’t score or assist, but his chance creation told the story: 4 key passes and 3 big chances crafted in 90 busy minutes.

It was a classic facilitator display, full of smart movement and sharp delivery, the kind you can track live on Sofascore with xG/xA and heat map tools.

Playmaker mode: 3 big chances, 4 key passes

Messi’s passing set the tone. He completed 38 of 46 passes, including a perfect 2 out of 2 on crosses and 3 out of 5 on long balls. In the final third, he kept Miami ticking with 30 accurate passes out of 38 in the opposition half.

The output matched the eye test. He created 3 big chances and posted 1.12 expected assists, the highest creative signal on the pitch. For a night without a direct assist, that is top-tier efficiency.

Passing and progression

Messi mixed control with progression. He went 8 out of 8 on passes in his own half, then pressed forward with 28 ball carries totaling 298.67 meters. Seven of those were progressive carries, adding 80.36 meters upfield, with his best single carry moving play nearly 16 meters.

It was the sort of tempo-setting performance that keeps Inter Miami on the front foot. His 66 touches show how central he was to every promising move.

End product and duels

The finishing numbers were steady rather than spectacular: 3 shots (1 on target, 1 off target, 1 blocked) from 0.39 xG and 0.25 xGOT, plus one big chance missed. He still kept defenders honest, drawing 1 foul and being flagged offside once.

In tight spaces, Messi won 7 duels and lost 6, was dispossessed twice, and lost possession 15 times while trying to break lines. He also chipped in with 2 ball recoveries, a handy contribution when Miami had to reset.

MLS 2026 form check

Across the season, Messi now has 5 goals in 6 starts with an 8.3 average Sofascore Rating. He has yet to register an assist, but his expected assists stand at 2.83 with 15 key passes and 3 big chances created.

The shot profile remains varied: 37 total shots, 13 on target, with 3 goals from outside the box and 2 from free kicks. He’s scored 4 with his left foot and once with a header, and already has 2 Team of the Week appearances on Sofascore.

Another night of control and craft from Miami’s No. 10. If you like following the details that make the difference, Sofascore has the full breakdown, including real-time Sofascore Rating and every carry, key pass, and chance created.