Lionel Messi once again delivered a masterclass at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, guiding Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-2 victory over DC United on September 20, 2025. With two superbly taken goals and a first-half assist, the Argentine superstar not only propelled his side closer to the MLS Cup playoffs but also cemented his place atop the league’s scoring charts, surpassing Nashville’s Sam Surridge. The win kept Inter Miami firmly in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, now just a single point behind New York City FC with two games in hand. The playoff race is heating up, and Messi’s influence couldn’t be more pronounced.
On a rainy Florida evening, the Herons faced a DC United squad that, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, showed up with grit and determination. René Weiler’s men set up compact and disciplined, determined not to let Miami run riot. Yet, when you have Messi pulling the strings, even the best-laid defensive plans can unravel in a moment of genius.
Miami’s breakthrough came in the 35th minute, courtesy of a moment of vintage Messi creativity. Spotting Tadeo Allende’s darting run some 35 yards ahead, Messi unleashed a perfectly weighted through ball. Allende, showing composure beyond his years, took it in stride and slotted confidently past DC’s Luis Barraza to give the hosts a deserved lead. That marked Allende’s eighth goal of the season and Messi’s 12th assist, tying him for fourth-most in the league—a testament to his all-around impact this campaign.
DC United, however, refused to roll over. The visitors came out of halftime with renewed energy. In the 52nd minute, Belgian striker Christian Benteke—last year’s Golden Boot winner—rose above the defense to head home a cross from Brandon Servania, leveling the score at 1-1. Benteke celebrated with a nod to basketball legend LeBron James, much to the delight of the traveling supporters. For Servania, it was his third assist of the season, matching his career high.
But Messi was not to be denied. Just past the hour mark, Miami pressed forward with intent. Jordi Alba, whose partnership with Messi dates back to their Barcelona days, slipped a sharp pass into the box. Messi, ever the predator, turned swiftly and finished with his left foot, restoring Miami’s lead in the 66th minute. That goal was Alba’s 10th assist of the season—a milestone for the Spanish fullback.
The match’s drama escalated moments later. Substitute Mateo Silvetti, introduced in the 69th minute, was brought down in the box by Barraza, earning Miami a penalty. The 19-year-old Silvetti stepped up with the chance to seal the result, but nerves got the better of him as he rattled his effort off the crossbar. The crowd groaned, but the missed opportunity only seemed to spur Miami on further.
As DC United pushed for an equalizer, Miami found space to counter. In the 85th minute, Messi produced a moment of magic that left fans and pundits alike shaking their heads in admiration. Picking up a pass just outside the area, he weaved through three defenders, played a quick one-two with Sergio Busquets, and lofted a shot beyond Barraza’s reach. That insurance goal put Miami up 3-1 and brought Messi’s tally to 22 goals in 22 MLS matches this season—an astonishing rate for the 38-year-old. With his seventh brace of the campaign, Messi surged past Surridge in the Golden Boot race, underlining his enduring brilliance.
DC United, to their credit, refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time—seven minutes past the 90—Jacob Murrell pounced on a loose ball in the box to pull one back for the visitors. Assisted by Benteke and Rida Zouhir, it was Murrell’s second goal of the season and provided a nervy finish for Miami fans. But the Herons held on, thanks in part to goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who made four crucial saves in his 22nd start of the year. On the other end, Barraza also made four stops, but it wasn’t enough to contain Messi and company.
After the final whistle, the stats told the story. Inter Miami now boasts 15 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws, with 52 points and a firm grip on fifth in the East. The team’s next test is a high-stakes clash against New York City FC at Citi Field on Wednesday, September 24. With two games in hand and just a point separating the sides, the playoff implications are enormous. DC United, meanwhile, will look to regroup at home against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 27.
Messi’s performance drew plaudits from teammates and coaches alike. According to multiple sources close to the club, there are strong indications that Messi is on the verge of signing a contract extension that would keep him in Miami through at least 2026. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence is undeniable—his leadership, vision, and knack for rising to the occasion have transformed Inter Miami from playoff hopefuls to genuine contenders. As one observer put it, "Messi’s presence in the league has elevated both the quality of play and the profile of Major League Soccer worldwide."
The chemistry between Messi, Alba, and Busquets—three former Barcelona stars—has been a revelation for Miami. Their understanding on the field was evident in all three goals, with each of Messi’s strikes coming from precise, unselfish assists. Busquets now has seven assists this season, and Alba’s tally of ten is among the best for defenders league-wide. It’s a trio that’s brought a taste of European flair to MLS, and fans can’t get enough.
For DC United, the loss stings, but there were positives to take. Benteke’s continued form and Murrell’s late contribution showed glimpses of promise for the future. Still, the inability to contain Messi proved decisive. As the season winds down, DC’s focus will shift to rebuilding and retooling for next year, with an eye on climbing back into playoff contention.
With the Golden Boot race intensifying and playoff spots still up for grabs, all eyes remain on Messi and Inter Miami as they march toward the postseason. Will the Argentine legend continue his scoring spree and lead Miami to MLS glory? If Saturday’s performance is any indication, betting against him would be unwise. The Herons are soaring, and with Messi at the helm, anything feels possible.
