Lionel Messi doesn’t need long to flip a game on its head. Against DC United, the No. 10 reminded everyone once again why he’s still the biggest attraction in MLS. Two goals, one assist, and suddenly Inter Miami had a 3-2 win in their pocket. More than just three points, it felt like another reminder that the Argentine plays at his own pace while the other team is just trying to keep up.
The match where Messi made it look easy
Miami came out sharp, and their captain looked switched on from the start. Dropping deep into his own half, Messi picked up the ball and spotted Tadeo Allende making a run. With one of those trademark passes, long, precise, right into stride, he set Allende free. The forward went one-on-one with the keeper and calmly scored. That sort of play, the kind that demands vision and timing, has become routine for the most famous left foot in soccer.
Then came the show. First, he combined with Jordi Alba, spun past two defenders inside the box, and finished with authority. Later, from the edge of the area, he cut inside onto his left and rifled a shot into the top corner. Two goals, completely different in style, both carrying his unmistakable stamp. Messi’s still the guy who defines games no matter where he plays.
DC United tried to respond through Benteke and Murrel, but they never found a way to match the tempo. Each time Messi picked up the ball, the visitors seemed to back off a little more, aware that trying to stop him was a losing battle.
Alba, Fray and a team learning to grow around him
While Messi stole the spotlight, Jordi Alba and Ian Fray have been stepping up too. In the win over Seattle Sounders, Alba grabbed a goal and an assist, while Fray, the academy product, got himself on the scoresheet. That mix of seasoned stars and younger talent is starting to show results. Alba, a familiar partner from Barcelona days, looks confident again and has been making an impact. Fray is grabbing his chances, proving he deserves more minutes.
All of this explains why Inter Miami sit on 52 points, holding fifth place with a game in hand, solidifying their place near the top of the table. DC United, on the other hand, continue to slide. Fourteenth place, just 25 points, and nowhere close to being competitive.