Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon called Lionel Messi’s play “incredible” after the Herons captain produced a superb assist before scoring twice in 20 second-half minutes to help his side win 3-2 at home to DC United in the MLS.
Messi’s pass from inside his own half set up Tadeo Allende to slot in the 35th-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 in the 52nd minute.
Messi went off in the @InterMiamiCF win! 🔥
Two goals and an assist for the goat. pic.twitter.com/xv2eKxQADI
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
The 38-year-old collected Jordi Alba’s low pass, span and fired in to restore Miami’s lead in the 66th minute before scoring the pick of the goals with a strike from a central position outside the box five minutes from time, although 19-year-old winger Mateo Silvetti struck the crossbar with a penalty in between those goals, having been handed the ball by Messi.
“He could have had three and it speaks to his greatness as a player that he gave up a penalty to Mateo,” said defender Falcon, discussing a spot kick awarded after Argentinian Silvetti was brought down by goalkeeper Luis Barraza while chasing Messi’s pass.
“That’s the humility that he continues to have despite everything he’s done and won in his career.”
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Inter Miami v DC United: Messi goals
World Cup winner Messi now has 22 goals in this season’s MLS, one ahead of Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
“Seeing what he does from playing behind him is incredible,” said Falcon. “When he shapes up to use his left foot, we know that if it’s not a goal then it’s going to be very dangerous.
“It’s always important for us to have him in the team – not only for his goals and assists, but also for what he demands of you in every match and instils in you, wearing the shirt.”
Miami’s defensive frailties were evident again when Jacob Murrell struck a consolation for DC – second-bottom in the Eastern Conference – from Benteke’s pass in the 97th minute.
“We should have done better,” said midfielder Yannick Bright. “We know it and we’re not happy with it. We spoke in the locker room about the mistakes we’ve got to correct but it’s a win and we’ve got to keep the momentum going.”
The counter from @dcunited. 👌
Benteke with a great pass to Jacob Murrell for the goal. pic.twitter.com/YMAKIgQjJZ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
Lionel Messi: Miami magician dazzles Bright
Fifth-placed Miami’s second consecutive win puts them eight points behind leaders Philadelphia with three games in hand.
“Hopefully, Leo’s going to keep doing his stuff,” said Bright, whose recent impressive form has led to talk of the 24-year-old signing a new contract, as Messi is expected to do imminently.
“There’s not a single game that he feels off. He’s always there scoring, assisting and putting up plays for everyone.
“He’s everywhere. It’s amazing to see. It’s an honor for me to be there. [He] makes everything easier.”
Messi had a panenka penalty saved in Miami’s 3-0 league defeat at Charlotte on September 13. Javier Mascherano’s side have missed both spot kicks they have been awarded in the 2025 MLS.
Miami are next in action on Wednesday (19:30 ET / 16:30 PT / 00:30 on Thursday BST) away to fourth-placed New York City, who are a point above them.
Christian Benteke with a diving header! 💥
He hits the LeBron celly as @dcunited equalizes Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/D9biAtXdlO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2025
Inter Miami vs DC United stats
- Miami and DC each have four wins in the 11-match history of the fixture, with the aggregate scoreline now 18-17 to United
- Eighteen of those 35 total goals have arrived after the 60th minute in games between the teams
- All four of the goals scored between the 30th minute and half-time have gone the way of Miami
- Benteke has six goals in six DC games against Miami. The striker contributed five goals and an assist in his side’s first seven MLS matches this season and has scored four times in 15 league appearances since, ending a four-game wait for a goal at the Chase Stadium
- Miami have the highest long-ball percentage in the MLS (58.2%), with DC seventh-lowest (41.7%)
- The Herons have the third-highest shooting accuracy (41.6%), behind Minnesota (41.8%) and Nashville (42.6%)
- Messi has 30 goals and 13 assists in 37 appearances this season
- Miami are unbeaten in ther last 13 home matches (W11), although they have one win in six away from Chase Stadium
