Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi both scored and assisted in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win against the Seattle Sounders in regular season MLS action
- Inter Miami climbed to fifth place on 49 points in the Eastern Conference standings
- Messi reached 20 goals for the season, becoming only the fifth player in MLS history to net at least 20 goals in back-to-back campaigns
Match Overview: Inter Miami Assert Dominance at Home
Lionel Messi showcased his ever-present quality as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 success over the Seattle Sounders in a regular season MLS clash. Inter Miami capitalised on home advantage to climb to 49 points, consolidating fifth position in the Eastern Conference. Seattle maintains fourth in the Western Conference on 45 points.
🚨Official: Lionel Messi named Player of the Match after a goal + assist masterclass. 🐐🔥 pic.twitter.com/Dn5bZ23ecS
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) September 17, 2025
Scoring Summary
The home side seized an early initiative when Messi set up Jordi Alba in the 12th minute, with the Spanish full back opening the scoring. Shortly before the break, the combination reversed – Alba supplying Messi for the Argentine’s goal, stretching Inter Miami’s lead to 2-0 heading into half-time.
After the interval, Rodrigo De Paul and Ian Fray linked up effectively in the 52nd minute, the latter netting Inter Miami’s third. Seattle answered through Obed Vargas, who struck in the 69th minute, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
| Minute | Scorer | Provider | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Jordi Alba | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 1-0 |
| ~45 | Lionel Messi | Jordi Alba | Inter Miami | 2-0 |
| 52 | Ian Fray | Rodrigo De Paul | Inter Miami | 3-0 |
| 69 | Obed Vargas | Jordan Morris | Seattle Sounders | 3-1 |
Individual Milestone: Messi Continues to Rewrite Records
With his goal, Messi’s tally rose to 20 since the start of the season, making him the fifth player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals across two consecutive seasons. This achievement further cements his legacy in North American football, as Inter Miami strengthens its position in the playoff race.
Current Standings
| Team | Conference | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | Eastern | 49 | 5th |
| Seattle Sounders | Western | 45 | 4th |
Conclusion
Inter Miami, led by Messi’s continued brilliance, collected a vital win against Seattle. As the Eastern Conference playoff race intensifies, this result keeps the Herons in strong contention, whilst Messi’s feat adds a further highlight to his MLS tenure.
