Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon referred to as Lionel Messi’s play “unimaginable” after the Herons captain produced an outstanding help earlier than scoring twice in 20 second-half minutes to assist his aspect win 3-2 at residence to DC United within the MLS.
Messi’s cross from inside his personal half arrange Tadeo Allende to fit within the Thirty fifth-minute opener, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ended a fleet-footed run by hitting the crossbar after Christian Benteke had headed an equaliser from Brandon Servania’s cross within the 52nd minute.
Messi went off within the @InterMiamiCF win! 🔥
Two objectives and an help for the goat. pic.twitter.com/xv2eKxQADI
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
The 38-year-old collected Jordi Alba’s low cross, span and fired in to revive Miami’s lead within the 66th minute earlier than scoring the choose of the objectives with a strike from a central place outdoors the field 5 minutes from time, though 19-year-old winger Mateo Silvetti struck the crossbar with a penalty in between these objectives, having been handed the ball by Messi.
“He may have had three and it speaks to his greatness as a participant that he gave up a penalty to Mateo,” stated defender Falcon, discussing a spot kick awarded after Argentinian Silvetti was introduced down by goalkeeper Luis Barraza whereas chasing Messi’s cross.
“That’s the humility that he continues to have regardless of every little thing he’s carried out and gained in his profession.”
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Inter Miami v DC United: Messi objectives
World Cup winner Messi now has 22 objectives on this season’s MLS, one forward of Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
“Seeing what he does from enjoying behind him is unimaginable,” stated Falcon. “When he shapes up to make use of his left foot, we all know that if it’s not a objective then it’s going to be very harmful.
“It’s all the time necessary for us to have him within the crew – not just for his objectives and assists, but additionally for what he calls for of you in each match and instils in you, sporting the shirt.”
Miami’s defensive frailties have been evident once more when Jacob Murrell struck a comfort for DC – second-bottom within the Jap Convention – from Benteke’s cross within the 97th minute.
“We should always have carried out higher,” stated midfielder Yannick Shiny. “We all know it and we’re not proud of it. We spoke within the locker room in regards to the errors we’ve acquired to right but it surely’s a win and we’ve acquired to maintain the momentum going.”
The counter from @dcunited. 👌
Benteke with an excellent cross to Jacob Murrell for the objective. pic.twitter.com/YMAKIgQjJZ
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
Lionel Messi: Miami magician dazzles Shiny
Fifth-placed Miami’s second consecutive win places them eight factors behind leaders Philadelphia with three video games in hand.
“Hopefully, Leo’s going to maintain doing his stuff,” stated Shiny, whose latest spectacular type has led to speak of the 24-year-old signing a brand new contract, as Messi is predicted to do imminently.
“There’s not a single sport that he feels off. He’s all the time there scoring, aiding and placing up performs for everybody.
“He’s in all places. It’s superb to see. It’s an honor for me to be there. [He] makes every little thing simpler.”
Messi had a panenka penalty saved in Miami’s 3-0 league defeat at Charlotte on September 13. Javier Mascherano’s aspect have missed each spot kicks they’ve been awarded within the 2025 MLS.
Miami are subsequent in motion on Wednesday (19:30 ET / 16:30 PT / 00:30 on Thursday BST) away to fourth-placed New York Metropolis, who’re a degree above them.
Christian Benteke with a diving header! 💥
He hits the LeBron celly as @dcunited equalizes Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/D9biAtXdlO
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
Inter Miami vs DC United stats
- Miami and DC every have 4 wins within the 11-match historical past of the fixture, with the combination scoreline now 18-17 to United
- Eighteen of these 35 whole objectives have arrived after the sixtieth minute in video games between the groups
- All 4 of the objectives scored between the thirtieth minute and half-time have gone the way in which of Miami
- Benteke has six objectives in six DC video games in opposition to Miami. The striker contributed 5 objectives and an help in his aspect’s first seven MLS matches this season and has scored 4 instances in 15 league appearances since, ending a four-game watch for a objective on the Chase Stadium
- Miami have the best long-ball proportion within the MLS (58.2%), with DC seventh-lowest (41.7%)
- The Herons have the third-highest taking pictures accuracy (41.6%), behind Minnesota (41.8%) and Nashville (42.6%)
- Messi has 30 objectives and 13 assists in 37 appearances this season
- Miami are unbeaten in ther final 13 residence matches (W11), though they’ve one win in six away from Chase Stadium