Lionel Messi recorded his 16th game with at least one goal and one assist in win over D.C. United

MIAMI, FL. – Inter Miami CF secured a 3-2 victory against D.C. United at home tonight, marking their second consecutive win of the week. Lionel Messi, recognized as the Icon of the Match, delivered a standout performance, contributing a brace and an assist to lead the team to victory. Attacker Tadeo Allende scored the team’s other goal of the evening at Chase Stadium.

With his two goals and an assist tonight, Messi recorded his 16th game with at least one goal and one assist, tying Carlos Vela for the second-most such games in a player’s first three MLS seasons, behind only Preki with 17.

“This was a very important win, as we earned the six points we needed this week at home,” said Head Coach Javier Mascherano. “We’ve improved our position in the standings, and we still have some games in hand. Achieving good results will allow us to climb higher and finish near the top of the table. Our primary objective remains securing a playoff spot, which we are just one win away from, and then aiming to finish as high as possible to gain the advantage of playing at home.”

Inter Miami fielded Óscar Ustari as goalkeeper; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, and Noah Allen comprised the defensive line; Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Yannick Bright started in midfield; with Allende, Messi, and Jordi Alba leading the attack.

The first half ended without a score, but Allende broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. A precise through ball from Messi set Allende up one-on-one with the goalkeeper, allowing him to place the ball into the bottom right corner for his eighth goal of the regular season. The assist was Messi’s 12th of the campaign, leading the team.

D.C. United equalized early in the second half, with Christian Benteke scoring in the 53rd minute.

Inter Miami nearly regained the lead twice: first when Messi struck the crossbar from inside the box in the 55th minute, and then when Allende’s close-range attempt was saved in the 59th minute.

Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on a historic date.

Messi restored the team’s lead in the 66th minute. Alba found Messi on the right side of the box, and after a quick turn, Messi scored with his left foot into the bottom right corner. This marked Messi’s 21st goal of the season, and Alba’s 10th assist.

In the 72nd minute, Inter Miami was awarded a penalty, but the shot hit the crossbar and was not converted.

Messi secured his brace in the 85th minute, putting the team ahead 3-1. Following a pass from Busquets, Messi placed the ball into the upper left corner with his left foot from the top of the box. This was his 22nd goal of the season, leading the MLS Golden Boot race presented by Audi. The assist was Busquets’ seventh of the season.

D.C. United’s Jacob Murrell scored in stoppage time’s seventh minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The match concluded with this scoreline, and Inter Miami earned all three points at home.

Next, Inter Miami will play an away match against New York City FC on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos/InterMiamiCF