Lionel Messi proved once more why he remains one of the greatest footballers of all time. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar scored twice, provided a brilliant assist, and dazzled with his all-round influence as Inter Miami edged D.C. United 3-2 on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The victory pushed Miami closer to confirming an MLS Cup playoff berth, while also showcasing Messi’s continuing dominance in American soccer. His brace not only sealed the win but also carried wider significance for the Golden Boot race, team morale, and the league’s global visibility.
A Rainy Night, A Dominant Start
Conditions were far from ideal as heavy rain fell throughout the evening, but the slick surface seemed to suit Inter Miami’s fluid passing and quick movement. From kickoff, Miami dictated tempo, pressing high and keeping United’s defenders pinned deep in their half.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute, when Messi dropped into midfield to collect possession. Spotting Tadeo Allende’s well-timed run, Messi threaded a perfectly weighted through ball between two defenders. Allende took the ball in stride, touched it past goalkeeper Luis Barraza, and calmly fired into the far corner. It was the kind of pass only Messi could deliver — equal parts vision, precision, and creativity.
That assist was Messi’s 12th of the season, underlining his role not just as a scorer but also as a creator. For Allende, the goal highlighted how Messi’s presence elevates the younger players around him.
D.C. United Refuse to Fold
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention before the match, D.C. United showed spirit. They came out more aggressive after halftime and were rewarded in the 52nd minute. Former Premier League striker Christian Benteke, always dangerous in the air, rose above Miami’s defenders to nod in Brandon Servania’s cross, leveling the score at 1-1.
For a brief spell, the momentum seemed to swing toward the visitors. Barraza made two strong saves from Messi soon after, denying the Argentine’s curling effort from the edge of the area and then parrying away a fierce low strike.
Messi Restores the Lead
The deadlock did not last long. In the 66th minute, Jordi Alba surged forward on the left wing and squared the ball inside to Messi. With a trademark quick swivel, Messi turned sharply, created space on his favored left foot, and drilled a precise shot into the bottom corner.
The stadium erupted as Miami reclaimed the advantage, with Messi celebrating passionately in front of supporters who braved the downpour. The goal was his 21st of the MLS season, moving him past Nashville’s Sam Surridge at the top of the scoring charts.
Missed Penalty, Missed Opportunity
Just three minutes later, substitute Mateo Silvetti nearly had a dream moment. The 19-year-old Argentine came off the bench in the 69th minute and within moments was brought down by Barraza in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Silvetti himself stepped up to take it.
Unfortunately for the teenager, his shot rattled the crossbar and bounced away, keeping the score at 2-1. While fans might have expected Messi to take the penalty, coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino later explained that allowing young players these opportunities is part of building for the future.
Messi’s Magic Seals It
If the missed penalty left the home crowd nervous, Messi quickly calmed fears. In the 85th minute, he collected a pass just outside the penalty box, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and lofted a shot over the outstretched Barraza. The ball dipped perfectly under the bar and into the net — vintage Messi, the kind of strike he has delivered countless times across his career.
That goal extended Miami’s lead to 3-1 and gave Messi his 22nd goal of the season in 22 games, a staggering record for any player, let alone one in the twilight of his career. It was also his seventh multi-goal match of the MLS season.
Late Drama From D.C.
The game was not finished yet. In stoppage time, with Miami seemingly cruising, D.C. United struck again. Jacob Murrell pulled one back in the 97th minute, pouncing on a loose ball to score from close range. The goal narrowed the deficit to 3-2 and set up a nervy final minute.
However, Miami held firm, with their defenders clearing a final corner to secure all three points.
Eastern Conference Picture
The win lifted Inter Miami to 52 points, moving them into fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They remain firmly in the playoff hunt, though they were unable to secure qualification on the night due to other results.
- The New York Red Bulls defeated Montreal 2-0, delaying Miami’s chance to clinch.
- New York City FC confirmed their own playoff spot with a 2-0 victory over Charlotte, thanks to Alonso Martinez’s penalties and Matt Freese’s key saves.
- Philadelphia Union stayed top of the East with a 1-0 win over New England, keeping themselves in pole position for the Supporters’ Shield.
- Orlando City edged Nashville 3-2, denying their rivals an early playoff berth.
With just a handful of matches left, the playoff race in the East remains tight, with Miami needing one more win or favorable results elsewhere to secure their place.
Messi’s Golden Boot Race
Messi’s brace pushed him clear in the Golden Boot race, sitting on 22 goals, one ahead of Surridge’s 21. He has also tallied 12 assists, making him the most complete attacking player in the league.
The Argentine now holds the MLS record for most matches in a season with both a goal and an assist — 16 games — equaling the mark set by Carlos Vela and only behind Preki’s long-standing record.
Contract Extension Speculation
Off the field, Messi’s future in Miami continues to generate headlines. Reports suggest the club is preparing to offer him a contract extension through at least 2026, ensuring his presence through the next World Cup cycle.
For Inter Miami, retaining Messi is not just about goals. His impact on ticket sales, merchandise, TV ratings, and MLS’s global profile is enormous. His continued commitment could be transformative for both the club and the league.
This match once again highlighted Messi’s enduring brilliance. Even at 38, he continues to influence games at the highest level, whether through goals, assists, or simply his presence on the pitch. For Inter Miami, he is the heartbeat of their playoff push.
For MLS, his performances are further proof that having Messi in the league has elevated the competition, attracted global audiences, and provided a platform for young talents like Silvetti to learn alongside one of football’s greatest icons.
The Information is Collected from Fox News and NDTV.
