Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami clinched a 3-2 home MLS win over DC United on Saturday, reported Xinhua.
Tadeo Allende opened the scoring by running onto Messi's perfectly weighted through ball and slotting past goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
Belgian striker Christian Benteke equalized with a bullet header following Brandon Servania's cross from the right wing.
The hosts regained the lead when Messi received Jordi Alba's pass on the turn and fired a left-footed shot that beat Barraza at his near post.
Miami took control and Messi made it 3-1 with a curling effort from outside the 18-yard box before Jacob Murrell pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has now scored 30 goals and provided 13 assists in 37 games across all competitions for Miami this season.
The result leaves the Florida outfit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with 52 points while DC is 14th, 27 points further back.
"It's an important win because we've climbed the standings and we still have games in hand," Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano said after the match.
"We're one win away from being guaranteed a place in the playoffs but our aim is to finish top of the table."
Mascherano lavished praise on Messi, saying the 38-year-old had again "carried the team on his shoulders".
"It was another normal night for Leo," Mascherano said. "It would be abnormal for any other player but that's the advantage we have, and today we were able to take advantage of it."
- Lionel Messi
- Inter Miami
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
