Messi nets 899th career goal in Miamis triumph against DC United

Lionel Messi edged nearer to a fresh scoring record as Inter Miami claimed their second success in the Major League Soccer term by beating DC United 2-1 on Saturday.

The forward, who grabbed a brace in Miamis recent Florida clash victory versus Orlando, notched his third strike this season through a neat chip in the 27th minute at M and T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Argentinian icons 80th effort for Miami lifts his lifetime count to 899, placing him merely one strike from the 900 barrier.

The holder of eight Ballon dOr awards, due to celebrate his 39th birthday in June, amassed 672 goals during his Barcelona spell and 32 while at Paris SaintGermain, alongside 115 caps goals for Argentina.

This result boosted the defending MLS title holders to third spot in the Eastern Conference table, accumulating six points across three fixtures.

After attending a White House event hosted by President Donald Trump on Thursday, Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute via a fine curling drive from outside the penalty area courtesy of Messis national squad colleague Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi extended the advantage ten minutes afterwards, seizing a precise pass from Mateo Silvetti and lifting a prompt shot over the rushing DC United shotstopper Sean Johnson.

DC United mounted a comeback following the interval, finding encouragement when Israeli attacker Tai Baribo reduced the deficit in the 75th minute.

However, Miami managed to resist Uniteds late pressure to confirm the win.