Messi Leads Inter Miami to 2–1 Win Over DC United in Baltimore
Argentine star scores in first half as Inter Miami secures narrow win before a crowd of more than 72,000.
Baltimore (US): Lionel Messi scored in the first half as Inter Miami CF defeated DC United 2–1 in a Major League Soccer encounter played before a crowd of 72,026 at the home stadium of the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.
The match was moved to downtown Baltimore instead of Washington due to high demand from fans eager to watch the Argentine superstar in action.
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul fired a shot from around 15 yards out that found the far corner of the net, giving the visitors an early lead.
Messi doubled the advantage in the 27th minute, marking his third goal of the young Major League Soccer season. He slipped behind the defence to meet a pass from Mateo Silvetti and calmly directed the ball past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
DC United attempted a comeback in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 75th minute. A shot by Jackson Hopkins was saved, but Tai Baribo converted the rebound to make it 2–1.
Despite late pressure from the home side, Inter Miami held on to secure the win. The victory marked their second consecutive league triumph after an opening-day defeat to Los Angeles FC earlier in the season.
The match capped a busy week for Messi and his teammates, who also made a visit to the White House in Washington earlier in the week.
