Player Ratings: Inter Miami Bounces Back from Champions Cup Disappointment With a Win Over the Red Bulls

Plus: 'Chelo' Weigandt makes MLS' Team of the Week

May 05, 2025

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami returned to winning ways at home, easily dispatching the New York Red Bulls in a clinical 4-1 victory.

After the massive letdown that was their mid-week Champions Cup exit, the Herons needed a good result.

The Boys in Pink did that and then some, rarely getting out of second gear against a lackluster Red Bulls side. Solid performances from Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Fafa Picault, and Yannick Bright spearheaded an all-around great display from the Javier Mascherano-led side.

As the team prepares to face Minnesota United this upcoming Saturday, a home win was crucial to keep pace with current Eastern Conference leaders — the Columbus Crew.

Here are Player Ratings from Miami’s win over the Red Bulls.

Goalkeeping

🧤 Oscar Ustari - 7.7: I really enjoy his playing style — more of a sweeper keeper than a traditional shot stopper. Having a goalkeeper who is comfortable coming off his line to cover ground that center backs can’t quite reach is a privilege.

Defense:

💨 Jordi Alba - 8: Did typical Alba things! Got down the left flank well, and his endless energy is still shocking considering his age.
🐥 Noah Allen - 8.1: I don’t think it’s too early to say that Allen is Miami’s best defender at the moment.
🧔‍♂️ Gonzalo Lujan - 7.9: Better! Think he’ll be a player that gradually grows into a top defender for Miami as time goes on.
🎻 Marcelo Weigandt -8.4: Hey! He gets a lot of criticism online, but you have to give him credit when he plays well!

Midfield:

🧉Tadeo Allende - 6.7: Woefully out of form. Yes, he started the year well, but maybe it’s time for a spell on the bench until he rediscovers what made him a starter in the first place.
🧮 Sergio Busquets - 8.3: Yeah..
🍝 Yannick Bright - 8: The starter in midfield going forward. His playing style fits what Mascherano needs through the middle of the field.
🦌 Fafa Picault - 8.6: Best display in an Inter Miami shirt so far. Got a goal and an assist.

Attack:

🔫 Luis Suárez - 7.5: Glad to see him on the scoresheet!
🐐 Lionel Messi - 8.4: Like Fafa, got a goal and was integral to a couple of the goals Miami scored - as per usual!

Substitutes:

💣 Telasco Segovia - 7.4: Came on, played well, and got an assist.
🦅 Maxi Falcon - 6.9: Did well defensively, though the Red Bulls didn’t have much of an attacking threat
💪 Benjamin Cremaschi - 7.2: It’s clear he’s improved over the offseason. Looks much more comfortable on the ball, he’s gotten better with his long passing - interested in seeing how he continues to grow as the season continues.
🐞 Federico Redondo - 6.7: Had a couple of good interceptions, but nothing that stood out.
🙏 Allen Obando - N/A: Would like to see him start a few games now that Champions Cup is over.

Coaching:

🔢 Javier Mascherano - 8: Better game plan from the ex-Liverpool man. Great to see him start a winger on the flanks rather than one midfielder and a wide player. Mascherano is still a young manager and growing pains will be there (see: Champions Cup), but he covered himself in glory with Saturday’s win.

Thoughts on the match? Let me know in the comments.