From near the center circle in the 35th minute at Chase Field on 20/9, Messi delivered a pinpoint lofted pass over seven DC United players. The ball found Tadeo Allende, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside, controlled the pass, and slotted a low shot past the goalkeeper to give Inter Miami the lead.

The assist for Allende was Messi's 12th in the 2025 MLS season and his 14th across all competitions. At Inter Miami, only Luis Suarez has more assists, with 16.

Messi celebrates during Inter Miami's 3-2 victory over DC United in MLS on 20/9. Photo: AP

Messi celebrates during Inter Miami's 3-2 victory over DC United in MLS on 20/9. Photo: AP

Suarez was suspended for this match, so Allende started as the central striker. Messi played in the attacking midfield role, supported by Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul.

Just as in their 1-1 draw on 23/8, DC United proved a difficult opponent for Inter Miami. In the 53rd minute, the visitors capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize. Taking advantage of a moment of inattention from the Inter Miami defenders, Sarvania crossed the ball to Christian Benteke, who headed it past goalkeeper Drake Callender.

After conceding the goal, Messi and his teammates regrouped. They created more chances and finished with greater efficiency. In the 66th minute, following a through-ball from Jordi Alba, Messi turned and fired a shot into the near corner, beating goalkeeper Tyler Miller to put Inter Miami back in front.

In the 71st minute, Miller fouled Benjamin Cremaschi in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Inter Miami. Cremaschi took the penalty instead of Messi, but his effort struck the crossbar.

Inter Miami continued to dominate in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when, after an initial foray into the box by Messi, the ball was quickly recovered. Busquets then passed to Messi outside the penalty area. The captain shifted the ball to his left, creating space for a shot into the bottom left corner of the goal.

This goal brought Messi’s tally for Inter Miami to 30 goals in 37 games in 2025. He also moved to the top of the MLS Golden Boot race with 22 goals, one ahead of Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge.

DC United pulled another goal back in the 97th minute. After Robert Castellanos failed to control Busquets’ pass, Benteke intercepted, advanced forward, and then passed to Jacob Murell, who scored with a low shot past Callender. The match ended 3-2 in favor of Inter Miami.

Following the victory against DC United, Inter Miami remains fifth in the Eastern Conference. They have 52 points after 28 games, eight points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, but with three games in hand.

Thanh Quy