"Lionel Messi had a hand in all three goals to keep Inter Miami firmly in contention for the MLS' Supporters Shield with a 3-1 home win over D.C. United on Saturday. The Argentine star provided an inch-perfect pass over the D.C. defense for Tadeo Allende to open the scoring for Miami in the 35th minute at Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium. Former Belgium striker Christian Benteke drew D.C. level early in the second half but Messi soon took over to deliver Miami all three valuable points."
"He scored his first in the 66th minute, cushioning a pass from ex- Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba perfectly into his stride before dispatching the ball into the far side of the net. And the 38-year-old gave Miami some breathing room with the pick of the goals, picking out the top corner with his left foot from just outside the penalty box."
"Messi might have had a hat trick, but surprisingly did not step forward to take a penalty Miami was awarded in the 72nd minute. Instead, his young Argentine compatriot Mateo Silvetti was given the responsibility but blasted the ball against the crossbar. Jacob Murrell grabbed a stoppage-time consolation goal for D.C. but Messi's goals proved enough as Miami strengthened its position among the Eastern Conference playoff pack."
Lionel Messi had a hand in all three goals as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 3-1 at Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium. Messi provided the inch-perfect pass to Tadeo Allende for the opener in the 35th minute. Christian Benteke equalized early in the second half before Messi scored in the 66th minute after cushioning a pass from Jordi Alba and later struck the top corner from outside the box. Messi declined to take a penalty in the 72nd minute; Mateo Silvetti hit the crossbar. Jacob Murrell scored late for D.C. United. Miami moved closer to the Supporters' Shield leaders, while Messi reached 22 goals and 12 assists in 22 MLS appearances.
Read at ESPN.com
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