Messi’s Mystique Shines with Two Goals and an Assist vs. DC United

Inter Miami CF’s Starting XI featured Oscar Ustari in goal, with Noah Allen, Maxi Falcon, Gonzalo Luján, and Marcelo Weigandt on defense. Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Yannick Bright in the middle of the pitch. Tadeo Allende and Lionel Messi commanded the attack.

Match Action

Inter Miami CF took control of the match in the first half, but were only able to convert in the 35th minute after Lionel Messi served Tadeo Allende with a magical pass from near the half line. The Goat once again demonstrated his uncanny vision and skill, leaving Allende in a perfect position to score Miami’s first goal.

Lionel #Messi pings a dime to Tadeo Allende who finishes with class to put #InterMiamiCF on top 1-0 in the 35th minute..#MLS #MLSes
pic.twitter.com/nTI2XAPHpw

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 21, 2025

Christian Benteke drilled a header to equalize the match in the 51st minute. DC United found new life and garnered momentum after the score.

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE LEVELS THE MATCH!pic.twitter.com/6HozbwXXQw

— D.C. United (@dcunited) September 21, 2025

Jordi Alba set up Lionel Messi for his first goal of the night with a sweet slicing pass into the box, which Messi controlled with his right foot and buried it in the goal with his mystical left leg.

Jordi Alba spins & weaves a phenomenal pass to Lionel #Messi inside the box, the GOAT 🐐 controls with his right leg, spins & finishes with his mythical left foot for the 2-1 #InterMiamiCF lead..#MLS #MLSes
pic.twitter.com/pBeEjyhLg5

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 21, 2025

The Goat rounded out his brace with a patented left-footed gem in the 85th minute. Messi took on DC defenders and finished like he has hundreds of times, with class.

Lionel #Messi! The GOAT 🐐 of fútbol puts #InterMiamiCF up 3-1 with another great shot on goal with his legendary left foot.. Like fine wine 🍷 #Messi𓃵 is exceptional..#MLS #MLSes
pic.twitter.com/guELEKRvdO

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 21, 2025

Jacob Murrell scored deep into stoppage time to add some suspense to the final minutes of the match. In the end, Inter Miami would win 3-2, led by Lionel Messi.

Postgame

Inter Miami CF let a 3-1 game get complicated near the end with some defensive miscues on DC United counterattacks. I asked Maxi Falcon what the team can do to improve and manage these situations,

We need to make adjustments and be more compact …

Inter Miami had a wonderful Club World Cup participation in large part due to being compact as a squad. They pressured as a unit and shut down passing lanes by putting players forward and staying close together. If the Herons are to be serious contenders for the MLS Cup, they need to return to this defensive intensity. Coach Javier Mascherano made it clear that he believes that defense is what will get Inter Miami to the promised land, an MLS Cup trophy.

 We have very good players that win games,but defense is what is going to win us championships

The Herons still have several matches to tighten up defensively and demonstrate that they will contend for the MLS Cup in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Lionel Messi’s mystique is so great that he often carries Inter Miami CF to victory on sheer will. Two fantastic Messi goals and an impressive long-distance assist were necessary to power the Herons past lowly DC United. In the playoffs, mystical Messi will be needed, but the rest of the stars must do their part to carry the load.

Yannick Bright is the best value in the league. No other MLS player gets paid less and produces so much for his team. This guy is due a big payday soon.

Sergio Busquets will apparently retire at the end of this season. The legendary midfielder has not had his best season, in my opinion, but he still has enough quality to help Inter Miami CF conquer an MLS Cup. That would be the ideal way to walk away from the” beautiful game,” with another trophy for the collection.