Inter Miami Edge Colorado Rapids in Thrilling Mile-High Showdown
Leo Messi #10 (Photo By: Joshua Figueroa)
Inter Miami Outlast Colorado Rapids in Five-Goal Thriller
Inter Miami picked up an impressive 3–2 road win over the Colorado Rapids on April 18, 2026, in a lively MLS matchup played at altitude in Denver. In front of a packed crowd at Empower Field at Mile High, the game delivered end-to-end action, momentum swings, and a decisive moment of brilliance.
(Photo By: Joshua Figueroa)
Strong Opening from Miami
Inter Miami set the tone early, taking control of possession and creating chances in the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Lionel Messi calmly converted a penalty to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
Miami continued to push forward and were rewarded again just before halftime. A well-constructed attacking move ended with Germán Berterame finishing clinically, doubling the advantage and putting Colorado in a difficult position heading into the break.
(Photo By: Joshua Figueroa)
Rapids Fight Back
The second half told a very different story. The Colorado Rapids came out with urgency and quickly flipped the momentum.
Rafael Navarro pulled a goal back in the 58th minute, giving the home crowd renewed hope. Just minutes later, Darren Yapi found the equalizer, capping off a rapid comeback and leveling the score at 2–2.
With energy on their side and more of the ball, Colorado looked capable of completing the turnaround.
Messi Decides It
However, Inter Miami had the final say—and once again, it came through Messi. In the 79th minute, he produced a decisive goal, cutting inside and finishing with precision to restore Miami’s lead.
Despite late pressure from Colorado, Inter Miami CF managed the closing minutes effectively and held on for the win.
(Photo By: Joshua Figueroa)
Match Summary
Messi led the way with two goals, proving decisive once again
Miami showed composure after conceding twice in quick succession
Colorado impressed with their second-half response but couldn’t complete the comeback
Final Thoughts
This was a match full of momentum swings and attacking quality, but the difference ultimately came down to one player’s ability to deliver in key moments. Inter Miami left Denver with three valuable points, while Colorado showed enough fight to suggest they’ll remain competitive moving forward.