Messi scores and assists, helping Inter Miami take revenge
USA — Forward Lionel Messi contributed a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Seattle Sounders in Round 31 of Major League Soccer on September 16.
In their most recent meeting — the Leagues Cup final on September 1 — Messi endured a forgettable match, firing five shots without troubling the Seattle goalkeeper. The captain’s lackluster performance was one of the reasons Inter Miami fell 0-3 and failed to defend their title.
But the script flipped when the two sides met again at Chase Stadium, Florida. The hosts dominated from the start and quickly made the difference. In the 12th minute, after Seattle lost the ball in midfield, Messi slipped a pass from the center to the left wing, allowing Jordi Alba to surge forward and fire past goalkeeper Stefan Frei to open the scoring.
In the 41st minute, Alba returned the favor, delivering a cross from the left that Messi met with a simple finish to double the lead. Once again, Seattle’s midfield lost possession in the build-up to the goal.
After conceding twice, the visitors’ morale dropped, leading to a disjointed performance. In the 52nd minute, Ian Fray headed in from a corner to make it 3-0 for Inter Miami.
Seattle managed to pull one back through Obed Vargas in the 69th minute, but it was too little, too late.
With this win, Inter Miami climbed to fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, with 49 points from 27 matches. They sit eight points behind leaders Philadelphia Union but have three games in hand.
Individually, Messi continues to lead Inter Miami’s scoring charts with 28 goals in all competitions this season. That includes 20 goals in MLS, just one behind Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge.
The Argentine also ranks second in assists for Inter Miami this season with 10, trailing only Luis Suarez, who has 16.
Inter Miami still have seven MLS matches left, against DC United, New York City, Toronto FC, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC. If they win all, Messi and his teammates could successfully defend the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best overall record.
If Inter Miami finish in the Eastern Conference’s top seven, they will qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. Last season, they exited in the first round after a 2-3 defeat to Atlanta United.