Lionel Messi had a first-half assist before scoring two goals in the second half to take over the league lead and propel Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi salutes fans after scoring his side's third goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rebecca Blackwell / AP

Messi scored the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute before adding some insurance in the 85th. He has 22 goals this season, one more than Nashville SC's Sam Surridge in the race for the Golden Boot Award.

Defender Jordi Alba collected his 10th assist on Messi's first goal and Sergio Busquets notched his seventh for the brace.

First-year midfielder Tadeo Allende scored his eighth goal — with an assist f

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