Messi Inspires Inter Miami to 3-1 Win Over Seattle Sounders
Lionel Messi was back to his dazzling best on Wednesday night, scoring and assisting in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The match carried extra weight, coming just weeks after Seattle beat Miami 3-0 in the Leagues Cup final, but this time the home side took control.
Inter Miami struck first in the 12th minute when Messi slipped a perfectly weighted pass through Seattle’s back line for Jordi Alba, who finished with his usual composure. The two veterans reversed roles late in the first half: Alba surged forward down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for Messi, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.
Seattle fought to get back into the contest, briefly threatening through Jordan Morris and Raúl RuidÃaz, but goalkeeper Drake Callender came up with a pair of big saves to preserve Miami’s cushion.
In the second half, Rodrigo De Paul, making his presence felt in midfield, whipped in a corner that defender Ian Fray met with a towering header to push the lead to 3-0. Seattle managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but the outcome was never in doubt.
The win was a statement for Inter Miami, who not only avenged their Leagues Cup defeat but also showed the value of their experienced core. Messi, Alba, and De Paul orchestrated much of the play, while Fray’s goal underscored the impact of Miami’s younger players.
The result also boosts Miami’s push for playoff positioning in MLS, where every point will matter in the season’s stretch run.
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