Sep 20, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) brings the ball deep into the D.C. United end of the field during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

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Messi Masterclass Inspires Inter Miami to 3–2 Win Over D.C. United

Lionel Messi continues to show no signs of slowing down in Major League Soccer. The Argentine produced a dazzling performance on Saturday night, scoring twice and providing an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over D.C. United.

Messi, who is reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension with the club through 2026, played a direct role in all three Miami goals. The win also pushed him to the top of the MLS Golden Boot race, with 22 goals this season, one more than Nashville’s Sam Surridge.

With Inter Miami chasing playoff positions in the Eastern Conference, Messi once again proved decisive. The Herons are now fifth in the standings with 52 points. They are just one point behind New York City FC and still have two matches in hand as they push for a strong post-season finish.

Another one for the 🐐 ✨ @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/BhxE31PTii
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 21, 2025

Messi’s Brace Secures Vital Three Points

Miami opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Messi slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Tadeo Allende. The winger finished calmly for his eighth goal of the season. It was Messi’s 12th assist of the campaign, tying him for fourth-most in MLS.

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Christian Benteke pulled D.C. United level in the 53rd minute with his ninth goal of the season, but Messi quickly restored Miami’s lead. In the 66th minute, he latched onto a pass from Jordi Alba and finished with trademark composure inside the box.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner added a second strike in the 85th minute, feinting past a defender before curling home from just outside the box to make it 3-1. Although D.C. reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time through Jacob Murrell, Miami held on for an important three points.

Messi’s former Barcelona teammates also played their part. Alba notched his 10th assist of the season on Miami’s second goal, while Sergio Busquets registered his seventh assist when Messi struck his brace. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari contributed with four key saves to secure the win.

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For D.C. United, Benteke stood out once again, while Brandon Servania registered his third assist of the campaign. With Messi in peak form and surrounded by experienced teammates like Alba and Busquets, Miami look dangerous heading into the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. They travel next to face New York City FC, with the chance to leapfrog their rivals into the top four of the Eastern Conference.

DC United

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

MLS

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.