COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Lionel Messi had two goals, Germán Berterame scored a goal for the second consecutive game, and Inter Miami beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games.
Messi, who opened the scoring when he converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute, scored the go-ahead goal in 79th minute. After a Colorado turnover near midfield, Messi cut back near the right corner of the penalty box and flicked a rising shot that split a pair of defenders and slipped inside the back post.
Messi has seven goal this season, tied with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for most in MLS.
Miami (4-1-3) hasn’t lost since a season-opening 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC.
Yannick Bright was shown a straight red car in the 87th minute and Miami played a man down the rest of the way.
The Rapids (4-4-0) had won back-to-back games and three of their last four
Bright drew a penalty conceded by Josh Atencio and Messi converted from the spot to open the scoring.
Inter Miami CF forward Germán Berterame celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Colorado Rapids Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Denver. Credit: AP/Geneva Heffernan
Mateo Silvetti, along the right end line, played an arcing cross to the back post where Berterame slammed home a header to make it 2-0 in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Bertarame made his first career start and scored his first goal in MLS last time out in a 2-2 tie with the New York Red Bulls.
Rafael Navarro scored in the 58th minute for the Rapids. The 26-year-old forward scored two goals in a 6-2 win over Houston last time out and has six goals this season.
Darren Yapi subbed on for Hamzat Ojediran and, moments later, scored on the counter-attack to make it 2-2 in the 62nd minute.