Baltimore, MD – Lionel Messi continues to exert his magnetic pull on Major League Soccer, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. The match, played before a record crowd of 72,026, showcased not only Messi’s enduring brilliance but also the growing influence of fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul within the Inter Miami squad. This win marks Inter Miami’s second victory of the 2026 MLS season, solidifying their position as a team to watch as they await the opening of their new stadium, Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, on April 4th.
The atmosphere in Baltimore was electric, a testament to Messi’s star power. The decision to host the game at the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, rather than D.C. United’s smaller stadium in Washington, D.C., underscored the league’s desire to capitalize on the immense draw of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi didn’t disappoint, scoring his 899th career goal in the 27th minute, extending his remarkable tally and leaving him just one goal shy of a historic milestone. The game also highlighted the evolving dynamic between Messi and De Paul, with the latter increasingly operating as a key facilitator alongside the Argentine superstar.
Inter Miami’s dominance began early, with De Paul opening the scoring in the 17th minute. He controlled the ball near the opponent’s box and unleashed a precise right-footed strike past D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The goal was a demonstration of De Paul’s growing confidence and attacking prowess, a role that has expanded as he becomes more integrated into the team’s system. As noted by D.C. United manager Rene Weiler, leaving space for Messi and De Paul is a recipe for disaster, as Inter Miami consistently capitalizes on defensive lapses. “When they have space, it’s pretty complicated [to defend Miami],” Weiler stated after the match. “They don’t miss the final pass.”
De Paul’s Rising Importance in Miami’s Attack
Although Messi remains the focal point of Inter Miami’s attack, Rodrigo De Paul’s performance against D.C. United underscored his increasing importance to the team’s success. He led Inter Miami in shots during the first half, taking three attempts and ultimately finding the back of the net. This proactive approach, combined with his defensive work rate, has earned him the moniker of “Messi’s bodyguard” by some observers, though his role is evolving beyond simply protecting the star forward. He is now functioning more as Messi’s assistant, making intelligent runs and providing crucial support in the attacking third. This synergy between the two Argentine internationals is proving to be a formidable weapon for Inter Miami.
Despite the victory, Inter Miami wasn’t without its vulnerabilities. D.C. United created several scoring opportunities throughout the match, and Tai Baribo managed to pull one back for the home side in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after a shot from Jackson Hopkins was deflected by Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. However, Inter Miami’s defense ultimately held firm, preserving the lead and securing the win. The team’s ability to withstand pressure and close out games will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the MLS season.
A Week of High Profile Events for Inter Miami
This match against D.C. United capped off a busy week for Inter Miami, which included a visit to the White House on Thursday. The team’s presence in Washington, D.C., and the subsequent game in Baltimore, further amplified the growing profile of soccer in the United States, a trend that has been significantly accelerated by Messi’s arrival. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the positive impact of Messi’s presence, noting the increased attendance and excitement surrounding the league. “Our autoexigencia is more important than what’s on the outside,” Mascherano said. “We are a team that demands a lot from ourselves. It’s wonderful what happens with respect to filling stadiums. Every time, soccer in the United States is much more crowded, and the arrival of Leo has been a determining factor in that.”
MLS Roundup: Other Results from Saturday, March 7th
Beyond the Inter Miami-D.C. United clash, several other MLS matches took place on Saturday, March 7th, offering a glimpse into the early stages of the 2026 season. The San Jose Earthquakes continued their perfect start with a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union, marking the best start to a campaign in the club’s history. Atlanta United, however, remains winless, suffering a 3-2 defeat to Real Salt Lake in their home opener. Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side has now lost all three of its opening matches. Nashville SC secured a 3-1 win against Minnesota United, with Christian Espinoza contributing a goal and an assist. Colorado Rapids dominated the LA Galaxy with a 4-1 victory, fueled by a brace from Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and a goal from Colombian Alexis Manyoma. Los Angeles FC edged past Dallas with a 1-0 win, thanks to a second-half goal from Venezuelan David Martínez.
Further down the league table, New York City FC delivered a dominant performance, crushing Orlando City 5-0. Charlotte FC overcame Austin FC with a 3-1 victory. San Diego FC defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0. The Seattle Sounders also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Sporting Kansas City. The Vancouver Whitecaps thrashed the Portland Timbers 4-1, and the Chicago Fire played to a scoreless draw with the Columbus Crew. These results paint a picture of a competitive MLS landscape, with several teams vying for early positioning in the standings.
Looking Ahead: Messi’s Pursuit of Goal Number 900
Lionel Messi’s goal against D.C. United brought his career total to 899, leaving him tantalizingly close to reaching the historic milestone of 900 goals. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the moment when Messi adds another goal to his legendary tally. The next opportunity for Messi to achieve this feat will come in Inter Miami’s upcoming match, details of which have not yet been officially announced by the club. The anticipation surrounding this potential milestone is further fueling the excitement surrounding Inter Miami and the MLS as a whole.
Inter Miami’s success is not solely reliant on Messi’s brilliance, however. The emergence of players like Rodrigo De Paul, coupled with the tactical guidance of Javier Mascherano, is creating a well-rounded and formidable team. As the season progresses, Inter Miami will look to build on its early success and defend its MLS Cup title. The team’s ability to maintain consistency and overcome challenges will be key to achieving its goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi scored his 899th career goal, bringing him within one of a historic milestone.
- Rodrigo De Paul’s performance highlighted his growing importance to Inter Miami’s attack.
- Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 2-1 in front of a record crowd of 72,026 at M&T Bank Stadium.
- The team is awaiting the opening of its new stadium, Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, on April 4th.
- Several other MLS matches took place on Saturday, showcasing the competitive nature of the league.
Inter Miami will continue their 2026 MLS campaign with their next match, the date and opponent of which will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates and analysis of Inter Miami’s season and the broader MLS landscape. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the game and the evolving dynamics of Major League Soccer in the comments below.