Inter Miami CF secured a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over DC United in Major League Soccer on Saturday, with first-half goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi putting the visitors in control.
The scoring opened in the 17th minute when Telasco Segovia capitalized on a DC United turnover, linking up with De Paul, who took a precise touch before curling a shot into the far corner, giving Inter Miami an early lead. Just ten minutes later, Messi doubled the advantage by sprinting onto a perfectly timed pass from Mateo Silvetti and lifting a composed shot over goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
DC United pulled one back late in the match through Tai Baribo, who converted a close-range opportunity after goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair initially parried a low shot from Jackson Hopkins on the counterattack. Despite a tense final 15 minutes, Inter Miami held on to secure their second win of the season.
With this victory, Inter Miami climbed to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, just a point behind leaders New York City FC, signaling a strong start to their campaign. DC United remains in eighth place, having earned three points from their first three games.
The win highlighted Messi’s continued influence and De Paul’s creativity, reinforcing Inter Miami’s ambitions for a competitive season in the MLS.