Messi’s Brilliance Inspires Inter Miami to Victory over D.C. United

After a two-match break, Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami’s line-up against Seattle Sounders with a goal. Just four days later, the Argentine superstar dazzled once again. On Sunday, Inter Miami enjoyed a Messi-inspired triumph, defeating D.C. United 3-2 at the Chase Stadium, courtesy of Messi’s two goals and an assist.

Miami dominated proceedings on home turf, enjoying 63% possession and firing 17 shots, 7 of which were on target. D.C. United, though less dominant, remained competitive with 10 shots, 6 on target.

The drama heightened in stoppage time as D.C. United threatened a late comeback, but Messi and his teammates held firm to secure victory.

Goal Timeline

• 35’ (Inter Miami 1-0) – Messi delivered a long pass from deep within his own half, setting up Tadeo Allende, who clinically finished past the goalkeeper. It marked Allende’s eighth goal of his debut season for Miami, while Messi registered his 12th assist of the campaign.
• 53’ (1-1) – D.C. United equalised when Christian Benteke headed in a Brendan Servania cross. It was Benteke’s ninth goal of the season and his 47th overall in Major League Soccer.
• 66’ (2-1) – Inter Miami reclaimed the lead. Jordi Alba’s pass found Messi inside the box, who drilled a low shot into the net.
• 85’ (3-1) – A trademark Messi strike. After receiving a pass from Sergio Busquets, Messi unleashed a delicate left-footed shot from the edge of the box. The United keeper stretched but failed to stop Messi’s 22nd goal of the season.
• 90+7’ (3-2) – Jacob Murrell pulled one back for D.C. United in stoppage time, adding late drama, but Miami sealed the win moments later with the referee’s whistle.

Tactical and Individual Performances

• Both goalkeepers were kept busy: Óscar Ustari (Inter Miami) and Luis Barraza (D.C. United) made four saves each, preventing a higher-scoring contest.
• Messi’s brace and assist emphasised his enduring dominance, while Benteke continued his consistency as one of MLS’s leading forwards.
• Inter Miami’s midfield trio of Busquets, De Paul and Messi orchestrated play, keeping United largely on the back foot.

This victory elevated Inter Miami to 5th place in the MLS Eastern Conference, with 52 points from 28 matches. Importantly, Miami still have games in hand compared to their rivals.