Messi slots decisive late goal as Miami edge Colorado in new manager's debut victory

The fixture was relocated to Denver's vast NFL arena to meet the enormous interest in viewing Argentina's World Cup hero, yet it looked like Colorado might prevail following a determined host comeback from a 2-0 deficit.

However Messi, who had already netted from the penalty spot, thought otherwise. In the dying minutes beyond the 80th, the Argentine raced onto a pass directed along the right by Rodrigo De Paul.

He weaved into the penalty area and somehow fired a strike with his favoured left boot past three defenders and the goalkeeper into the far corner.

This delivered Messi's enduring companion Hoyos a triumph in his initial outing as Miami's head coach, succeeding Javier Mascherano who left the side for "personal reasons" on Tuesday, merely four months following his leadership to the club's inaugural MLS Cup success.

"We possess the finest player ever, a figure who entirely alters the course of games," declared an elated Hoyos.

Hoyos, aged 62, introduced minimal alterations to the starting XI, particularly slotting in German Berterame in place of Tadeo Allende, who remains sidelined by a muscular issue.

The result propels Inter Miami to second in the Eastern Conference standings.

"This builds on the efforts we have pursued and the advancements the squad has achieved, the group being the current MLS title holders. We form a robust collective," stated Hoyos.

"Observe the vitality Inter Miami inspires, necessitating a shift to a bigger venue to host it all, and juxtapose that with the subdued modesty we have consistently maintained in our approach," he continued, speaking in Spanish.

With 75,824 spectators in attendance, marking the second biggest turnout in MLS records, Miami began sluggishly, yet received a prime chance.

As Colorado attempted to build from defence amid Miami's pressure, Josh Atencio fouled Yannick Bright inside the area, yielding a spot kick.

After an extended VAR review, Messi took the kick, placing it steadily centre while the goalkeeper plunged to his left.

Colorado held much of the ball yet seldom posed danger.

And moments before the break, the Rapids lost control in midfield. A Messi touch set up Mateo Silvetti to deliver a cross for Berterame to nod in from near range.

The Rapids surged forward post interval.

Near the 60th minute, Rafael Navarro collected the ball deep in his territory, advanced centrally, evaded a marker with a shrewd dummy, and rifled it into the bottom right corner.

Colorado's manager Matt Wells swiftly reinforced the attack, substituting Darren Yapi for Hamzat Ojediran.

The move reaped immediate rewards.

Only four minutes post their initial strike, a precise Lucas Herrington lofted pass located Yapi on a angled run for the equaliser.

Yet Messi halted the hosts' resurgence with his timely brilliance.

The contest concluded bitterly as Bright received a red card for abusive words while challenging a booking shown to teammate Telasco Segovia.