Lionel Messi shines with two goals as Inter Miami edge DC United 3-2 | Football News
Superstar Lionel Messi once again showcased why he is indispensable for Inter Miami, scoring two brilliant goals and creating another as his side defeated DC United 3-2 on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The victory keeps Miami firmly in the hunt for an MLS Cup playoff spot.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Messi, 38, now has 22 goals in 22 matches this season, moving to the top of the MLS scoring chart after surpassing Sam Surridge of Nashville. This marked Messi’s seventh double of the campaign, highlighting his consistent brilliance.“It was another ordinary night for him, which is totally extraordinary for any other football player,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “His ability not only to score but to make the team play, to find situations, and to carry the team on his shoulders when we needed him most — that is the advantage of having him.”
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Miami opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Messi threaded a precise through ball to Tadeo Allende, who slotted past DC United goalkeeper Luis Barraza. Christian Benteke equalised in the 52nd minute, but Messi soon restored Miami’s lead with a composed finish from Jordi Alba’s pass in the 66th minute.Messi added a third in the 85th, dribbling past defenders before curling a left-footed strike beyond Barraza. The goal proved crucial as Jacob Murrell scored in stoppage time to make it 3-2.Mascherano also praised Messi’s off-the-ball generosity. When 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti missed a penalty, Messi’s earlier assist had been a gesture to involve a teammate seeking his first goal, reflecting the Argentine’s leadership and team spirit.With the win, Miami climbed to fifth in the Eastern Conference with 52 points. Messi’s heroics not only kept Miami’s playoff hopes alive but also reinforced why the club is eager to extend his stay in Major League Soccer beyond next year.
