Messi Inspires Miami to 3-1 Win Over Seattle in MLS Clash
<h3>Messi Leads Inter Miami to 3–1 Win Over Seattle Sounders</h3><p>Lionel Messi showcased his enduring brilliance on Tuesday night, scoring once and assisting another as Inter Miami defeated the Seattle Sounders 3–1 at Chase Stadium. The 38-year-old captain helped Miami reclaim momentum in Major League Soccer after a recent stumble and exacted revenge for their Leagues Cup final loss to Seattle earlier this year.</p><p><strong>Early Control and Classic Chemistry</strong><br>Miami struck first in the 12th minute when Messi set up former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba for a composed finish. Their famous partnership remains electric on American soil. Messi doubled the lead in the 41st minute with his 12th league goal of the season, sending Miami into halftime up 2–0.</p><p><strong>Fray Adds, Vargas Replies</strong><br>Defender Ian Fray extended the margin to 3–0 shortly after the break, highlighting Miami’s growing depth. Seattle responded in the 69th minute through Obed Vargas, but the hosts’ defense held firm to secure a satisfying victory.</p><p><strong>Rivalry and Suspensions</strong><br>Bad blood lingers from the ill-tempered Leagues Cup final that ended in a bench-clearing brawl. Luis Suárez, suspended for spitting on a Sounders staff member that night, served the second of his three-match MLS ban and was absent from Tuesday’s clash. Miami, however, proved they can win without him.</p><p><strong>Impact on Standings</strong><br>The victory lifted Inter Miami to fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-6-7 record (49 points), eight points behind leaders Philadelphia but with three games in hand. Coach Javier Mascherano called the season’s final stretch “seven finals” as Miami aim for the top spot.<br>Seattle slipped to fourth in the Western Conference at 12-8-9 (45 points), just one point clear of LAFC as the playoff race intensifies.</p><p><strong>Messi’s MLS Legacy</strong><br>Even at 38, Messi continues to dazzle crowds with his vision and finishing. His seamless link-up with Alba offers MLS fans a glimpse of Barcelona’s glory days, while his leadership keeps Miami firmly in contention for silverware.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><p>Messi scored and assisted; Alba and Fray added the other Miami goals.</p><p>Vargas netted Seattle’s lone strike.</p><p>Miami climbs to fifth in the East; Seattle slips to fourth in the West.</p><p>Luis Suárez remains suspended for one more match.</p><p>With the playoffs approaching, Miami look reinvigorated, while Seattle must regroup quickly to avoid losing ground in a tightening Western Conference race.</p>