Messi Inspires Inter Miami in Thrilling Win Over D.C. United
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to prove why his name still commands the spotlight in world football. Inter Miami pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 win over D.C. United, and once again, it was Messi’s brilliance that made the difference.
The night didn’t start as smoothly as Miami had hoped. Coming off a strong performance against Seattle, they were expected to handle D.C. United comfortably, especially with the visitors sitting low in the Eastern Conference table. But René Weiler’s side, rested and well-prepared, showed up organized and compact. Breaking them down was not going to be easy, and for a while, Miami struggled to find their rhythm.
It took a moment of genius from Messi to unlock the game. In the 35th minute, he spotted Tadeo Allende making a forward run and delivered a stunning long ball over the top. Allende made no mistake and slotted it home for 1-0. It was a surprising twist to see Messi, usually known for his intricate passing in tight spaces, opt for a direct assist, but it worked perfectly against United’s stubborn defense.
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The lead, however, didn’t last comfortably. Early in the second half, Christian Benteke, always a threat in the air, powered home a diving header in the 52nd minute. His celebration, borrowing a move from LeBron James, added some flair as United showed they were not going down without a fight.
Miami needed a response, and it came in the 66th minute. Jordi Alba, linking up with his old Barcelona teammate, slipped Messi through on goal. The Argentine finished coolly, restoring Miami’s lead. A chance to stretch the advantage followed when a penalty was awarded after Barraza fouled substitute Mateo Silvetti. In a gesture of encouragement, Messi handed the ball to the teenager. But nerves got the better of him, and the shot rattled the crossbar.
The drama wasn’t over. D.C. nearly earned a penalty themselves, but a foul by Baltasar RodrÃguez was judged to be just outside the box. Then, in the closing stages, Messi delivered another dazzling moment. He weaved past three defenders, saw his first attempt blocked, but after recovering the ball with help from Sergio Busquets, buried Miami’s third.
D.C. United managed one last push, with Jacob Murrell scoring in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. Inter Miami secured the 3-2 win, keeping them firmly in the playoff race.
With this victory, Javier Mascherano’s team stays fifth in the Eastern Conference, holding three games in hand over Philadelphia Union, who sit eight points ahead. For Miami, the Supporters’ Shield remains in reach. For Messi, it was just another night of proving that even as he nears 40, he still knows how to be the difference.
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