Introduction to the Match
Lionel Messi had a goal and an assist as Inter Miami beat Seattle 3-1 on Tuesday night just over two weeks after losing to the Sounders in the Leagues Cup final.
The Sounders beat Inter Miami 3-0 in the Leagues Cup on Aug. 31, but Messi assisted a wide open Jordi Alba with an outside-of-the-foot pass in the 12th minute to give the Herons early command.
First Half Highlights
Messi nearly doubled the score in the 28th minute when he received a ball over the top and once again tried to execute using the outside of his left foot, but the shot hit off the post. Alba returned the favor in the 41st minute, assisting a darting Messi who got just enough of a touch to make it 2-0.
Second Half and Final Score
Ian Fray headed home Rodrigo De Paul’s corner in the opening minutes of the second half to extended the Herons’ lead to 3-0. Obed Vargas found the back of the net for Seattle’s goal in the 69th minute, as the Mexican international scored on his country’s independence day. Inter Miami was again without Luis Suárez, who served the second game of his three-match MLS ban for spitting on a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff in the Leagues Cup Final.
Player Performances and Debut
Messi had a chance to complete a brace in the 76th minute, but was denied by Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei. New Inter Miami signing Mateo Silvetti made his debut after arriving from Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.
Upcoming Matches
MLS action continues for both teams when Inter Miami hosts D.C. United on Saturday, while the Sounders travel to face Austin FC on Sunday.
Here are key dates to know for the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign.
Conclusion
The win marked a significant turnaround for Inter Miami after their loss to the Sounders in the Leagues Cup final. With Messi’s goal and assist, the team demonstrated their strength and ability to bounce back from defeats. The upcoming matches against D.C. United and Austin FC will be crucial in determining the teams’ standings in the MLS campaign.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the goals for Inter Miami in the 3-1 win against Seattle?
A: The goals were scored by Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, and Ian Fray.
Q: Who was missing from the Inter Miami squad due to a ban?
A: Luis Suárez served the second game of his three-match MLS ban.
Q: When do Inter Miami and the Sounders play their next matches?
A: Inter Miami hosts D.C. United on Saturday, while the Sounders travel to face Austin FC on Sunday.
