MIAMI, FL. – Inter Miami CF secured a decisive 3-1 victory tonight in a home match against Seattle Sounders FC. Outstanding performances from captain Lionel Messi, named Royal Caribbean Icon of the Match, and defender Jordi Alba—who scored a goal and provided an assist—contributed to the team’s success. Additionally, Academy product Ian Fray recorded his first goal of the season, helping lead Inter Miami to the victory at Chase Stadium.
“Our team achieved an important and much-needed victory,” stated head coach Javier Mascherano. “Regaining positive momentum and securing a win against a strong opponent are vital steps forward. We approached the match with the right mindset and executed our game plan effectively. This result allows us to climb the standings and move closer to qualifying for the playoffs.”
In this match, Inter Miami fielded Óscar Ustari in goal; the back four consisted of Ian Fray, Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, and Noah Allen. The midfield was composed of Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Yannick Bright. The attacking line was led by Tadeo Allende, Messi, and Jordi Alba.
Notably, newly signed attacker Mateo Silvetti was included in the matchday squad for the first time since joining the club last month and made his club debut during this match.
Inter Miami commenced the game strongly, with Jordi Alba opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The play started with a recovered possession by Bright near midfield, which facilitated a counterattack. Messi moved the ball forward before finding Alba on the left flank; Alba controlled and then scored with a left-footed shot. This was Alba’s third goal of the season, while Messi’s assist marked his 11th of the league campaign.
Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on a historic date.
In the 16th minute, Fray nearly extended the lead with a shot from the right side of the box after receiving a well-placed pass from Messi; however, the shot was saved by the Seattle goalkeeper.
Messi almost scored again in the 28th minute, controlling a finely delivered ball from Busquets inside the box and hitting the left post with an outside-foot shot. Fray created another scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute with a powerful header at the near post, saved by the Seattle goalkeeper.
Messi successfully doubled Inter Miami’s lead in the 41st minute. Bright initiated the attack with a regain of possession before passing to Alba on the left wing. Alba’s precise cross found Messi, who slid to score, marking his 20th goal in 21 regular-season appearances. Alba’s ninth assist of the season was also recorded on this play.
Throughout the first half, Inter Miami demonstrated dominance, recording six shots on target compared to Seattle’s two, and controlling 53% of possession.
After halftime, Inter Miami extended its lead with a goal from Ian Fray in the 52nd minute. Fray headed in a corner kick delivered by De Paul, registering his first goal of the season. The assist was De Paul’s fourth of the campaign.
Seattle reduced the deficit in the 69th minute through a goal by Obed Vargas.
In the 81st minute, Inter Miami made a tactical substitution, bringing on Mateo Silvetti to replace Allende, marking his first appearance for the club.
The match concluded with a 3-1 scoreline in favor of Inter Miami, and the team secured all three points at home.
Inter Miami’s next match will be against D.C. United, scheduled at Chase Stadium on Saturday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
MIA – Jordi Alba (Lionel Messi) 12’, Lionel Messi (Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright) 41’, Ian Fray (Rodrigo de Paul) 52’
SEA – Obed Vargas (Jordan Morris, Albert Rusnák) 69’
Misconduct:
MIA – Jordi Alba (Yellow Card) 78’, Mateo Silvetti (Yellow Card) 83’
Lineups / Substitutions:
Inter Miami CF – GK Óscar Ustari; D Ian Fray (Marcelo Weigandt 66’), Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen; M Rodrigo de Paul, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright; F Tadeo Allende (Mateo Silvetti 81’), Lionel Messi ©, Jordi Alba
Unused Substitutes – GK Rocco Ríos Novo; D Ryan Sailor; M Santiago Morales; F Daniel Pinter
Seattle Sounders FC – GK Stefan Frei ©; D Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Kim Kee-Hee, Yéimar Gomez (Jackson Ragen HT), Nouhou Tolo; M Cristian Roldán (Snyder Brunell 60’), Obed Vargas, Paul Rothrock (Albert Rusnák HT), Jesús Ferreira (Danny Musovski 85’), Georgi Minoungou; F Osaze De Rosario (Jordan Morris 60’)
Unused Substitutes – GK Andrew Thomas; D Álex Roldán; M Reed Baker-Whiting, Danny Leyva
Stats:
Possession:
MIA – 53.7%
SEA – 46.3%
Shots:
MIA – 14
SEA – 14
Saves:
MIA – 5
SEA – 5
Corners:
MIA – 5
SEA – 2
Fouls:
MIA – 14
SEA – 11
Photos/InterMiamiCF
