Lionel Messi was on target as Inter Miami made it back-to-back MLS victories with a hard-fought 2-1 win over D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday. 

After losing their season-opener to Los Angeles FC, Javier Mascherano's side followed up their triumph over Orlando City SC with another huge victory on their travels. 

After testing Sean Johnson early on, Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he collected Telasco Segovia's pass before picking out the top corner. 

Miami's continued dominance was rewarded 10 minutes later by Messi, who after racing on to Mateo Silvetti's ball in behind, dinked perfectly over the on-rushing Johnson. 

The Argentine almost added a stunning third for Miami after weaving in from the right-hand side. However, his curling strike at goal beat Johnson, but also evaded the far post. 

D.C. threatened a nervy final 15 minutes when Jackson Hopkins' shot was saved by Dayne St. Clair, only for the ball to drop for Tai Baribo to tuck home from close range. 

Miami came close to altering the scoreline late on as German Berterame's header was gathered by Johnson, with the visitors holding on for the minutes that remained. 

Data Debrief: Magic Messi edges closer to another milestone

Messi continued his fine start to the 2026 MLS season, with his goal here making it three in as many games to start the campaign. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also now one goal away from reaching 900 across his career, a landmark only Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed. 

The Miami captain also finished the match with a team-high total of passes in the final third (27), though he cut a frustrated figure at full-time as his team finished with an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.98 from their eight shots to D.C.'s 1.59 from their 15 attempts in a tale of two halves. 

Baribo also impressed for his new team with another goal. Indeed, he became the first player to score in each of his first two home league matches for D.C. since Luis Silva, who did so between July and August 2013.