Did Messi and Allende Lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 Victory Over D.C. United?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Messi scored two goals and assisted one.
- Allende scored the third goal for Inter Miami.
- Messi leads the MLS Golden Boot race.
- Inter Miami secured their second straight win.
- Match showcased competitive MLS spirit.
Fort Lauderdale, Sep 21 (NationPress) Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami CF triumphed over D.C. United 3-2 in front of their home crowd, marking their second straight win this week.
Forward Tadeo Allende netted the team’s other goal during the match at Chase Stadium.
With his pair of goals and an assist, Messi achieved his 16th match with at least one goal and one assist, equaling Carlos Vela (16) for the second-most in a player’s initial three MLS seasons, only trailing Preki (17).
Although the first half appeared to end scoreless after a balanced 45 minutes, Allende broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, receiving a brilliant pass from Messi that set him up one-on-one with the goalkeeper, allowing him to slot the ball into the bottom right corner for his eighth goal this season. The assist marked Messi’s team-leading 12th of the campaign, according to Inter Miami.
The visitors equalized early in the second half, with Christian Benteke scoring for D.C. United in the 53rd minute.
Inter Miami nearly regained the lead twice shortly after; first, Messi hit the crossbar in the 55th minute, followed by a close-range save of Allende’s shot in the 59th minute.
Messi restored Inter Miami’s lead in the 66th minute, receiving a pass from Alba on the right side of the box, turning quickly, and finishing with a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner. This goal brought Messi’s season total to 21, while the assist was Alba’s 10th.
In the 72nd minute, Inter Miami had a chance for a penalty, but the shot hit the crossbar.
Messi secured his brace in the 85th minute, giving Inter Miami a 3-1 advantage by placing the ball into the upper left corner with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box, following an assist from Busquets.
This goal marked Messi’s 22nd of the season, placing him in the lead for the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi, while the assist was Busquets’ seventh this season.
In stoppage time, Jacob Murrell scored for D.C., reducing the deficit.
The match concluded with a 3-2 score, allowing Inter Miami to secure all three points at home.