Two weeks ago, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami lost the Leagues Cup final 3–0 to Seattle Sounders, missing out on the trophy. On Wednesday, the Argentine superstar exacted revenge, delivering both a goal and an assist as Inter Miami defeated the same opponents 3–1 in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.
At Florida’s Chase Stadium, the hosts and Seattle engaged in a competitive battle. In their previous encounter, tensions had escalated beyond the pitch, culminating in scuffles. During that match, Uruguayan star Luis Suárez of Miami was banned for spitting on a Seattle staff member, a suspension that still applies across three MLS matches. Despite Suárez’s absence, Inter Miami managed to overcome Seattle today.
Match Summary
First Half:
Miami took the lead in just the 12th minute. Messi delivered a precise pass, and Jordi Alba penetrated the box from the left flank to score with a low strike. In the 41st minute, Messi recreated a mirrored moment from his Barcelona days: Alba’s cross appeared out of reach, but Messi leapt and extended his leg to guide the ball past Seattle’s goalkeeper, doubling Miami’s lead. This goal marked Messi’s 880th career goal.
With this strike, Messi has now scored 20 goals in 21 matches this MLS season, becoming the fifth player in league history to reach 20 goals in consecutive seasons. Overall, the 38-year-old Argentine has contributed 40 goals in 2025 so far and has maintained a record of at least 40 goal contributions per year for 19 consecutive years.
Second Half:
In the 51st minute, Miami extended their lead once more. From a Rodrigo De Paul corner, Ian Frey rose to head the ball into the net, effectively securing victory for Inter Miami. Seattle’s Obed Vargas scored in the 69th minute, reducing the deficit, but the match concluded 3–1 in favour of Miami.
Key Match Details
| Event | Player/Team | Minute | Outcome/Note |
| Opening Goal | Jordi Alba (assist by Messi) | 12 | Miami takes the lead |
| Messi Goal | Lionel Messi | 41 | Doubles Miami’s lead; 880th career goal |
| Third Goal | Ian Frey (header from corner) | 51 | Secures victory for Inter Miami |
| Consolation Goal | Obed Vargas (Seattle) | 69 | Reduces deficit to 3–1 |
MLS Eastern Conference Standings (Post-Match)
| Club | Matches Played | Points | Position |
| Philadelphia Union | — | 57 | 1st |
| Cincinnati | — | 55 | 2nd |
| Charlotte | — | 53 | 3rd |
| Nashville | — | 50 | 4th |
| Inter Miami | 27 | 49 | 5th |
Despite sitting fifth with 49 points from 27 matches, Inter Miami remain in close contention, although all teams above them have played three additional matches. Messi’s brilliance continues to be the driving force behind Miami’s campaign, demonstrating both consistency and decisive impact in crucial games.
