Lionel Messi scores 2 goals, Inter Miami beats Rapids 3-2, extends unbeaten streak to 7 games

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Inter Miami CF forwards Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame celebrate after a goal by Berterame in the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Colorado Rapids Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)

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. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan) — Inter Miami CF forwards Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame celebrate after a goal by Berterame in the first half of an MLS soccer game against the Colorado Rapids Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)

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7:07 PM on Saturday, April 18

The Associated Press

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Lionel Messi had two goals, Germán Berterame scored for the second consecutive game, and Inter Miami beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games and win their first game under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos.

Hoyos, who had been serving as club's sporting director, took over coaching duties after Javier Mascherano unexpectedly left the club due to personal reasons. Mascherano led Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup title in his only full season with the club.

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.

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.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer