Lionel Messi scores goal and provides an assist as Inter Miami defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-1 in Major League Soccer. The Argentine superstar created Jordi Alba’s opener in the 12th minute before scoring himself in the 41st. That gave Miami a 2-0 halftime lead at Chase Stadium.
American Ian Fray added a third for Miami in the 52nd minute. Seattle pulled one back through Obed Vargas in the 69th, but it was not enough. The victory came just weeks after Seattle had beaten Miami 3-0 in the Leagues Cup final, a match that ended in a brawl involving Luis Suarez.
Even at 38, Messi showed his quality with a decisive display. His goal and assist lifted Miami to 14 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws, putting them fifth in the Eastern Conference. They are now only eight points behind leaders Philadelphia, with three matches in hand.
Seattle, meanwhile, dropped to 12 wins, 8 losses, and 9 draws. The Sounders are fourth in the Western Conference, just one point ahead of Los Angeles FC.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s response after a weekend loss. “We have seven finals left, and our goal is to win them all,” he said. Suarez, serving a three-match suspension for spitting during the Leagues Cup final, missed the match.
For now, Lionel Messi scores goal remains the headline moment. His leadership and vision continue to inspire Miami, as the club chases a strong finish in the MLS season.
