Lionel Messi is now just one goal away from reaching 900 in his professional career after scoring in Inter Miami’s 2–1 victory against D.C. United in Major League Soccer. The Argentine captain found the net in Washington as Inter Miami secured their second consecutive win of the season.
The match featured strong Argentine influence, with Rodrigo De Paul opening the scoring before Messi doubled the lead.
De Paul put Inter Miami ahead in the 17th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from inside the box, finishing high across goal to give Javier Mascherano’s team an early advantage.
Ten minutes later, Messi added the second. The Argentine received a long pass from Silvetti that dropped behind the defensive line. Messi timed his run, controlled the ball with a short touch and chipped the goalkeeper with his left foot to make it 2–0. The goal marked the 899th of his professional career.
The match was played in front of a large crowd in Washington, where thousands came to watch Messi in action. Despite the early two-goal lead, Inter Miami had to work harder in the second half as the home team pushed forward.
D.C. United reduced the deficit in the 75th minute when Tai Baribo scored, setting up a tense finish. However, Inter Miami managed the final minutes well to secure the victory.
Several Argentine players featured for Inter Miami. De Paul and Messi started alongside Facundo Mura and Germán Berterame, while Tadeo Allende and Gonzalo Luján came off the bench in the second half.
The game also followed a notable moment earlier in the week when Inter Miami visited Washington and attended a formal event with United States President Donald Trump, a tradition often held for championship teams in American sports.
On the field, Mascherano has been adjusting the structure of the team. Messi played in a deeper role behind Berterame, moving freely as a playmaker and attacker.
Messi’s goal also continued his strong start to the MLS season. The Argentine has now scored three goals in the first three league matches. He previously netted twice against Orlando City in the Florida derby, helping Inter Miami come from behind to win.
After losing their opening match of the season 3–0 in Los Angeles, Inter Miami responded with consecutive victories and are now beginning to climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
More concerned about Macallister’s injury for the finalissma. ?!