Messi's Chip and De Paul's Curl: Inter Miami Grind Out Baltimore Victory Over D.C. United
Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over D.C. United in Baltimore, with goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi, despite a late Tai Baribo reply. Mateo Silvetti starred with an assist and defensive grit, while Germán Berterame's goal drought continues to concern. The win moves Miami to six points in MLS, ahead of a Champions Cup tie with Nashville.
Messi Magic Lights Up Baltimore as Inter Miami Edge Past D.C. United
Imagine swapping sun-soaked Florida pitches for the roar of an NFL stadium. That's exactly what Inter Miami did, nicking a 2-1 win over D.C. United in front of 72,000+ rabid fans at M&T Bank Stadium. Fresh off a White House jaunt and a derby demolition of Orlando City, the Herons were buzzing – but this scrap was anything but a stroll in the park.
Rodrigo De Paul set the tone early, bending a beauty into the top corner past ex-USMNT stopper Sean Johnson in the 17th minute. Then, Lionel Messi – yes, that Messi – added his 899th career strike with a cheeky chip off a pinpoint Mateo Silvetti through ball. It was captain's stuff, leaving D.C. chasing shadows at the break.
But hold your horses – the Black-and-Red weren't done. Tai Baribo, their big offseason splash, bundled home a rebound off Dayne St. Clair in the 75th minute after Jackson Hopkins tested the Canadian keeper. Miami hung tough through a frantic finish, securing six points from three MLS outings while D.C. slumped to back-to-back defeats.
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Young gun Mateo Silvetti was everywhere – overlapping with Messi for that assist, tracking back like a terrier, and bossing the left flank post-Jordi Alba's retirement. At 20, he's got a goal and assist already; this lad's stock is skyrocketing faster than a VAR check.
Rodrigo De Paul topped the charts at 8.2, his opener a thing of beauty amid midfield solidity with Yannick Bright (8.0). Lionel Messi (7.8) roamed free on the right, tormenting defenders, while Telasco Segovia (7.7) pulled strings centrally. Defensively, Maxi Falcón (7.5) and Micael (7.4) locked the backline, with Noah Allen (7.3) bouncing back on the left.
Keeper Dayne St. Clair (7.2) couldn't snag a clean sheet – tough times for Canadian No.1 hopefuls. Right-back Facundo Mura (6.9) looked lost drifting forward with Messi ahead. And poor Germán Berterame (7.6)? The Mexican marksman, meant to be Miami's No.9 fix, is goalless after 270 minutes. He's barely registering, with teammates not teeing him up – Messi reliance is as strong as ever, lads.
Road Ahead: Champions Cup and MLS Grinds
Manager Javier Mascherano's crew now eyes a midweek Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 clash with Nashville SC. Can they keep the momentum without over-relying on the ageing GOAT? D.C., meanwhile, lick wounds before hosting Chicago Fire next week.
This win wasn't vintage Miami flair, more gritty resolve. Silvetti's emergence is a silver lining, but Berterame's drought raises eyebrows. In a league where superstars paper over cracks, Mascherano's tinkering – Messi wide, Segovia central – might just be the tweak to chase silverware. Cheers to the Herons; they've got the points, if not always the poetry.