Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest players, even at 38 years old. The Argentine legend led Inter Miami to a decisive 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday night in a high-stakes rematch marked by tension, redemption, and outstanding individual brilliance.
In a game loaded with backstory following a fiery Leagues Cup final between the two sides just weeks ago, Messi played a pivotal role by scoring one goal and assisting another, helping Miami regain momentum in their push toward the MLS playoffs.
From the opening whistle, Messi looked sharp, confident, and determined to make an impact. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner set the tone in the 12th minute when he delivered a precise pass to long-time teammate Jordi Alba, who slotted home the opening goal. The early breakthrough immediately ignited the home crowd and gave Miami a psychological edge.
Before halftime, Messi etched his name on the scoresheet with a classic finish in the 41st minute. A flowing attacking move ended with Messi calmly finding the net, extending the lead to 2-0 and giving Inter Miami full control of the match. It was yet another example of the Argentine’s enduring class and ability to rise in big moments.
Messi’s Leadership Powers Miami’s Comeback in the East
This wasn’t just any regular season fixture. Tuesday’s match was a grudge match, a rematch of the August 31 Leagues Cup final, where Seattle defeated Miami 3-0 in a game marred by a benches-clearing brawl. That controversial game also saw Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez spit on a Seattle staff member, earning himself a three-match suspension and a ban from the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Suárez was serving the second match of that suspension on Tuesday, leaving Messi to shoulder the attacking responsibility—and he delivered.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the emotional weight of the victory:
“It was important, beyond having good feelings, to find ourselves with the victory against a great rival that took away the possibility of winning a competition a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
“We understood it in the best way. We played the game we had to play.”
After Messi’s goal, Miami continued to press in the second half. American defender Ian Fray added a third goal for the home side in the 52nd minute, extending the lead to 3-0 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Seattle Sounders managed a consolation goal in the 69th minute through Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. The Sounders, who had hoped to repeat their dominance from the Leagues Cup final, were ultimately outplayed on the night.
Inter Miami entered the match in 8th place in the MLS Eastern Conference after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC over the weekend. However, Tuesday’s victory lifted them into 5th place with a record of 14 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 49 points. With three games in hand and only eight points behind first-place Philadelphia, Miami remains firmly in the race for the top spot.
Coach Mascherano emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the final stretch of the season:
“We have seven finals left, and our goal is to win all seven to finish first in the conference,” he said.
“It makes the expectations with us high, invites us to be competitive, always have our guard up and not relax.”
With Messi leading the way, Miami looks increasingly dangerous heading into the business end of the season.
The loss was a setback for the Seattle Sounders, who now sit at fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 12 wins, 8 losses, and 9 draws for 45 points. They remain just one point ahead of Los Angeles FC, making every upcoming match crucial as the playoff race tightens.
Despite the result, Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer acknowledged the quality of the opposition and emphasized the need to regroup quickly.
While Messi may be in the twilight of his career, performances like Tuesday’s remind fans around the world why he remains a global icon. Whether it’s setting up goals, scoring with precision, or inspiring his teammates, Messi’s presence in MLS has transformed Inter Miami and elevated the profile of the league.
With the playoff race heating up and Inter Miami now surging, the focus will remain on Messi to carry the momentum forward—and if history is any guide, he’s more than capable of delivering.
Source- EWN