Fort Lauderdale
Lionel Messi once again proved his class, scoring twice and setting up a goal as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 3-2 at Chase Stadium. The win marked Miami’s second straight victory in Major League Soccer.
Messi was central to the triumph, creating the opening goal in the 35th minute. His clever pass set up Tadeo Allende, who calmly scored his eighth goal of the season. D.C. United replied early in the second half, when Christian Benteke found the net in the 53rd minute.
Miami pushed forward, with Messi hitting the crossbar and Allende testing the keeper. Their efforts paid off in the 66th minute when Jordi Alba assisted Messi, who finished with a sharp left-footed strike. Though Miami missed a penalty in the 72nd minute, Messi was not done. In the 85th minute, he scored again, this time from a Busquets assist, to make it 3-1.
The Argentine now has 22 league goals, leading the MLS Golden Boot race. His two goals and assist also marked his 16th game with goal involvement, tying Carlos Vela for the second-most across a player’s first three MLS seasons, just behind Preki.
D.C. United did not give up easily. Jacob Murrell scored in stoppage time to cut the gap, but it was too late to deny Miami the win. The final whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory, with Messi once more at the heart of the action.
Inter Miami’s performance keeps them firmly in contention, and with Messi in such form, the team looks dangerous heading into the next fixtures.