Quick Read
- Inter Miami defeated Seattle Sounders 3-1 in a commanding MLS match.
- Lionel Messi scored his 20th goal and provided his 11th assist of the season.
Inter Miami CF delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, defeating the Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match marked a significant turnaround for the Herons, who had suffered a 3-0 defeat to the same opponent in the Leagues Cup final just weeks earlier. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were the stars of the evening, each contributing a goal and an assist, while academy product Ian Fray added a third to seal the victory.
Messi and Alba: A Dynamic Duo
The chemistry between Messi and Alba was on full display from the outset. In the 12th minute, Messi orchestrated a brilliant counterattack, finding Alba with a perfectly weighted pass. The Spanish defender didn’t disappoint, slotting the ball into the net with his left foot to give Miami an early lead. This marked Alba’s third goal of the MLS regular season, while Messi notched his 11th assist.
Later in the first half, Alba returned the favor. Winning possession on the left wing, he delivered a precise cross into the box, where Messi slid in to double Miami’s lead in the 41st minute. It was Messi’s 20th goal in just 21 regular-season appearances—a staggering statistic that underscores his dominance in the league. Reflecting on their partnership, Alba said, “I’m always looking for him, and he’s always looking for me. We hope to continue like this until the end of our careers.”
Ian Fray Rises to the Occasion
The second half began with Miami in control, and it didn’t take long for them to extend their lead. In the 52nd minute, a corner kick from Rodrigo De Paul found Ian Fray, who headed the ball into the net for his first goal of the season. The 20-year-old academy product showed composure and determination, a promising sign for Miami’s future.
Seattle managed to pull one back in the 69th minute through Obed Vargas, who scored on Mexico’s Independence Day, adding a symbolic touch to the game. However, Miami’s defense, led by goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, held firm for the remainder of the match.
A Statement Win for Inter Miami
This victory was about more than just three points; it was a statement. Head coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s resilience and tactical execution, saying, “It’s an important and much-needed victory. We approached the match the right way and played the game we needed to play. This win allows us to climb the standings and get closer to the playoffs.”
Statistically, Miami dominated key areas of the game. They recorded six shots on target to Seattle’s two in the first half and controlled 53% of possession overall. The team also showcased depth, with new signing Mateo Silvetti making his debut in the 81st minute.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami’s schedule doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to host D.C. United on Saturday. With playoff aspirations in sight, the team will look to build on this momentum. For Seattle, the loss serves as a wake-up call ahead of their Sunday clash with Austin FC.
As the MLS regular season heats up, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi’s arrival has not only elevated Inter Miami’s performance but also reshaped the league’s competitive landscape. With every goal, assist, and dazzling moment, Messi continues to prove why he remains one of the greatest to ever play the game.
In a league historically dominated by parity, Messi’s brilliance and Miami’s resurgence are a reminder that sometimes, individual greatness can redefine the narrative.