Messi scores twice to guide Miami to 3-2 MLS victory against DC United
Football icon Lionel Messi netted a pair of stunning goals and assisted one more as Inter Miami secured a 3-2 triumph over DC United on Saturday, edging nearer to a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Following reports this week from club insiders suggesting Messi is set to agree to a deal extension that binds him to Miami until at least the end of next year, the winner of the Ballon d'Or eight times demonstrated exactly why both the team and Major League Soccer are eager for him to remain.
The 38 year old has now tallied 22 goals across 22 appearances this season. His seventh brace in the MLS campaign propelled him to the summit of the leagues goal scorers, overtaking Sam Surridge from England, who has 21 for Nashville.
"It was just a typical evening for him, which would be utterly remarkable for any other player in football," commented Miami manager Javier Mascherano.
"His skill extends beyond putting the ball in the net, it includes dictating the teams rhythm, spotting opportunities, and shouldering the load when we face challenges, that is the benefit of his presence, and today we managed to capitalise on it."
Miami controlled the game from the start during a wet evening at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, facing opponents who were already out of the playoff race.
They went ahead in the 35th minute thanks to Messis precise forward pass to Tadeo Allende, who controlled it with his first touch, evaded Uniteds keeper Luis Barraza, and slotted it into the nets right side.
Christian Benteke equalised for the away side with a header in the 52nd minute.
Messi prompted two rapid stops from Barraza prior to restoring Miamis advantage in the 66th minute, receiving a ball from Jordi Alba inside the penalty area and pivoting to drive a left footed effort beyond Barraza.
Just two minutes after entering as a replacement in the 69th minute, Argentine Mateo Silvetti was tripped inside the box by Barraza.
The official awarded a penalty, and the 19 year old took responsibility, but his powerful strike hit the bar.
"Leo passed it to Toto (Silvetti) most likely to allow him his initial goal, which I view as a positive act, regrettably he missed it," Mascherano noted, explaining that such kindness is a frequent move from Messi to "help someone who requires it more than he does."
Crucial victory
However, Messi extended Miamis cushion to 3-1 with his signature flair in the 85th minute, collecting possession near the edge of the box, shaking off his marker, and curling a strike beyond Barraza.
This turned out to be key, as Jacob Murrell pulled one back for DC United in the seventh minute of added time, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
Describing the result as "highly significant," Mascherano saw Miami rise to fourth in the Eastern Conference on 52 points, yet they must delay confirmation of their playoff place following New York Red Bulls 2-0 success against Montreal.
New York City FC locked in their ninth postseason appearance over 11 years via a 2-0 win against playoff qualifier Charlotte.
Alonso Martinez buried two spot kicks while Matt Freese denied Wilfried Zahas penalty, extending Citys unbeaten streak to three games.
Philadelphia Union solidified their lead at the top of the East and strengthened their case for the Supporters Shield, given to the best overall side, with a 1-0 defeat of New England.
Bruno Damiani ended the stalemate in the 71st minute via a sharp conversion from an ideal assist by Frankie Westfield.
Orlando thwarted Nashvilles opportunity to confirm a playoff position by winning 3-2.
Martin Ojeda grabbed a double and Duncan McGuire chipped in one for Orlando, themselves chasing a postseason place. Nashville got goals from Hany Mukhtar and Jacob Shaffelburg.