Hudson County Packs the Stands for Messi’s Masterclass

Lionel Messi brought global star power to Harrison Saturday night and Hudson County showed up in full force.

A sold-out crowd filled Sports Illustrated Stadium for Inter Miami’s visit to the New York Red Bulls. Many fans came not for the home side but to witness the greatest player of all time. Messi delivered with two goals, two assists, and a commanding 5-1 win that turned the night into a celebration of his brilliance. After his first goal, fans in the stands could be seen bowing in awe.

The atmosphere was electric long before kickoff. While the Red Bulls took an early 1-0 lead through Alexander Hack, Inter Miami quickly took control. Jordi Alba, Telasco Segovia, and Luis Suárez joined Messi on the scoresheet as Miami overwhelmed New York in front of a crowd that often felt more pink than red.

Asked whether Messi’s presence and the size of the Inter Miami crowd impacted the team’s performance, Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz said the real issue was the officiating on Messi’s first goal, which he believed was offside:

 “Messi is a great player, as I’ve said. But look at the first goal he scored. I have to comment on it in this moment. When you’re doing your job, you have to write about that goal.”

Midfielder Daniel Edelman acknowledged the team’s energy dropped after a strong start: “Our intensity kind of dropped. Personally, for me, I was trying to keep motivating the boys. We just stopped, switched off and lost focus.”

When asked about the away crowd support, Edelman added: “Yeah, there were a lot of fans. I think we had more Red Bull support from fans tonight rather than when Messi first came here in 2023. But Messi is the greatest of all time. It was nothing I didn’t expect.”

The loss stings for the Red Bulls, but the night proved one thing. When Messi visits Hudson County, it is more than just a match. It is a moment.