Argentine icon and World Cup-winner Lionel Messi struck twice in Inter Miami’s 3-2 triumph over DC United on Sunday at the Chase Stadium in Florida.
Messi found the back of the net twice in the second half
after Tadeo Allende had put the Herons ahead in the first half as goals from Christian Benteke and Jacob Murrell went in vain.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano opined that, “It was another ordinary night for him, which is totally extraordinary for any other football player,” lauding Messi following the victory.
“His ability not only to score but to make the team play, to find situations, and to carry the team on his shoulders when we needed him most and faced difficulties — that is the advantage of having him, and today we were able to take advantage of it,” Messi’s Argentine compatriot added.
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Sources close to the club indicated this week that Messi is set to sign a contract extension, keeping him in Miami at least through next year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated why the club and Major League Soccer are eager for him to remain. The 38-year-old now has 22 goals in 22 matches this season, and his seventh double of the MLS season moved him to the top of the league scoring list, surpassing England’s Sam Surridge, who has 21 for Nashville.
Miami dominated from the start on a rainy night at their Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, against a team already eliminated from playoff contention. They took the lead in the 35th minute when Messi delivered a well-judged through ball to Tadeo Allende, who beat United goalkeeper Luis Barraza with his first touch and smoothly fired into the right corner of the net.
Christian Benteke headed the visitors level in the 52nd minute. Messi forced Barraza to make two quick saves before he put Inter back in the lead in the 66th minute, collecting a pass from Jordi Alba in the box and slotting a left-footed shot past Barraza. Two minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute, Argentine Mateo Silvetti was fouled in the box by Barraza. The referee pointed to the spot, but the 19-year-old hit the attempt off the crossbar.
“Leo gave it to Toto (Silvetti) surely as a gesture to let him have his first goal, which I think is something very good, unfortunately he couldn’t score it,” said Mascherano, adding that Messi often makes such gestures to “involve someone who needs it more than him.” Messi extended Miami’s lead to 3-1 in the 85th minute with a bit of trademark magic, picking up a pass just outside the area, eluding his defender, and lofting a shot out of Barraza’s reach. This proved invaluable as Jacob Murrell scored for DC United in the seventh minute of stoppage time, reducing the deficit to one.
With the win, which Mascherano called “very important,” Miami climbed one spot to fifth in the Eastern Conference with 52 points, but will have to wait to secure their playoff berth after the New York Red Bulls produced a 2-0 victory over Montreal.
New York City FC clinched their ninth playoff spot in 11 seasons with a 2-0 victory over playoff-bound Charlotte. Alonso Martinez converted two penalties, and Matt Freese saved a Wilfried Zaha spot kick as City extended their unbeaten run to three matches.
Philadelphia Union maintained their grip on first place in the East and bolstered their bid for the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the top team overall, with a 1-0 victory over New England. Bruno Damiani broke the scoreless deadlock in the 71st minute with a crisp finish from a perfectly placed pass by Frankie Westfield.
Orlando denied Nashville’s chance to clinch a playoff berth with a 3-2 victory. Martin Ojeda scored two goals and Duncan McGuire added another for Orlando, who are also pursuing a post-season spot. Hany Mukhtar and Jacob Shaffelburg scored for Nashville.
