From the start of the match, coach Mascherano's team controlled the game but did not make a difference. The turning point came in the 36th minute, when Messi made a delicate pass for Allende to escape and face off and score the opening goal. The first half ended with Inter Miami in the lead.
In the second half, DC United unexpectedly equalized thanks to Benteke's header in the 53rd minute. However, the Argentine superstar quickly took the home team up 2-1 after a dangerous curler from the edge of the penalty area in the 67th minute.
Inter Miami had a chance to widen the gap in the 71st minute with a penalty from Mateo Silvetti but the shot was unsuccessful. However, Messi continues to shine. In the 85th minute, he completed his double with an accurate left-footed shot, raising the score to 3-1.
In the extra minutes, DC United managed to reduce the gap thanks to the player coming on as a replacement for Jacob Murrell, setting the score at 3-2. Although Inter Miami's defense showed many loopholes, Messi's excellence helped the team win all 3 points.
This victory helped Inter Miami consolidate their position in the playoff group when they ranked 5th with 52 points, while continuing to nurture the hope of chasing the leading group in the East.
