FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi took over the league lead with two goals in the second half, giving Intermiami a 3-2 victory at DC United on Saturday night.
Messi has won Go Ahead The goal after 66 minutes was to add insurance on the 85th. He has scored 22 goals this season, more than one in the Golden Boots Award race than Nashville SC’s Sam Salridge.
Defender Jordi Alba gathered his 10th assist on Messi’s first goal, and Sergio Busquets notched his seventh for the brace.
First-year midfielder Tadeo Allende scored the eighth goal (Messi’s assist) in the 35th minute, with Intermiami leading 1-0 at halftime. It was Messi’s 12th assist this season. It is the fourth tier in the league.
DC United even pulled in the 53rd minute when Christian Benteke scored a pass from Brandon Selvania. This was the 2024 Golden Boots winner and the ninth goal of the 47th winner of his career. He was Selvania’s third assist and made his career higher.
DC United arrived within 3-27 minutes of stoppage time with Jacob Murrell’s second goal this season. Both Benteke and Rida Zouhir have earned their second assist.
ÓscarUstari finished with four saves from Intermiami (15-6-7) in his 22nd start.
Lewis Baraza saved four shots for DC United (5-16-10).
Intermiami, fifth in the Eastern Conference, will play fourth-placed New York City FC at Citifield on Wednesday, picking up two games and one point ahead.
DC United will be holding the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer
