Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 3-2 in Florida, with Lionel Messi scoring two goals and providing an assist, earning him the club’s Icon of the Match title. This victory marked the team’s second consecutive win, with forward Tadeo Allende scoring first in front of a spirited crowd at Chase Stadium.
The first half was on track to end scoreless until the 35th minute, when Messi made a well-timed pass through the defense. Allende seized the opportunity and scored low into the corner for his eighth goal of the season, while Messi recorded his 12th assist in the league. D.C. United’s Christian Benteke equalized in the 53rd minute, shifting the momentum back to the visitors.
Messi almost regained the lead shortly after, hitting the crossbar in the 55th minute, followed by Allende forcing a close-range save. In the 66th minute, Jordi Alba set up Messi in the box, where Messi skillfully turned and struck a left-footed shot into the far corner. Inter Miami had a chance to increase their lead with a penalty, but the attempt hit the bar.
The crucial goal came in the 85th minute. Assisted by Sergio Busquets, Messi fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, bringing his total to 22 goals for the season, placing him at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Jacob Murrell scored in stoppage time, narrowing the score, but Miami held on to secure the win.
This performance also tied Messi with Carlos Vela for 16 career MLS matches in which he recorded both a goal and an assist in his first three seasons, just behind Preki’s 17. After the match, head coach Javier Mascherano highlighted the win’s significance: “It’s a very important victory because we secured the six points we needed at home. We’re close to securing a playoff spot, and our goal now is to finish as high as possible.”
Inter Miami will next travel to play New York City FC on Wednesday as they aim to strengthen their playoff position.
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