Argentine Stars Power Inter Miami Past D.C. United as Herons Soar to Second MLS Victory

Inter Miami secured a 2–1 victory against D.C. United before more than 72,000 spectators in Baltimore, claiming their second consecutive win on Saturday afternoon. 

The Herons came into the sold-out fixture at M&T Bank Stadium, the NFL Baltimore Ravens' home venue, following their White House visit on Thursday and riding high after a thrilling 4–2 comeback triumph over Orlando City rivals in last Sunday's Florida Derby. However, the contest proved more challenging than the defending MLS Cup winners might have anticipated.

Head coach Javier Mascherano's team enjoyed a relatively comfortable opening period, with Rodrigo De Paul bending a right-footed effort into the upper corner during the 17th minute to defeat former USMNT keeper Sean Johnson. 

Shortly thereafter, Lionel Messi delicately lobbed a first-touch finish over Johnson, capitalizing on an excellent through pass from Mateo Silvetti to register his 899th professional career goal in the 27th minute. 

SI CAPITÁN! 🫡⚽️ Golazo de Leo Messi para duplicar el marcador 🔥 pic.twitter.com/e5w7NBUS2b

While the match appeared headed toward a comfortable victory for the South Florida club, D.C. created drama in the 75th minute. Miami keeper Dayne St. Clair deflected a Jackson Hopkins attempt into Tai Baribo's path, and the high-profile winter acquisition converted for his second strike of the season. 

Despite late pressure from both Miami and the home side, the result remained in Miami's favor, bringing them to six points from three matches while D.C. endured their second consecutive defeat.

Miami now turns attention to midweek Champions Cup round of 16 action versus Nashville SC, while D.C. United prepares for next week's MLS encounter with Chicago Fire. 

Winners and Losers

Winners and Losers

Winners

Mateo Silvetti's development since arriving at Inter Miami last August has been remarkable, and his display versus D.C. United represents one of his finest performances. Earning consecutive starts, he operated more centrally than typical. Silvetti combined effectively with Lionel Messi throughout the match, notably on his assist, as he evaded a defender before locating the 38-year-old forward.

Beyond the assist, Silvetti maintained a steady defensive presence, dropping deep to assist Noah Allen at left-back, as the Herons continue developing that flank following Jordi Alba's retirement. With a goal, assist and defensive contributions across three matches this campaign, Silvetti's reputation continues ascending at just 20 years old.

Losers

Losers

Germán Berterame was expected to provide a reliable answer to Miami's quest for a prolific striker. Three matches in, he hasn't appeared dangerous, and the Herons seem as dependent on Messi's magic as before. In this outing, the Mexico international failed to convert two on-target attempts and remained largely peripheral throughout.

Some responsibility for the limited chances falls on Miami's other attacking players, including Messi, who hasn't established strong connections between them, but Berterame's difficulties across 270 MLS minutes without finding the net are certainly worrying.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. D.C. United

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. D.C. United

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Dayne St. Clair—7.2: It's a challenging period for Canadian goalkeepers. Maxime Crépeau received a red card for handling outside the area against NYCFC in Saturday's opening match, and St. Clair couldn't maintain a clean sheet for his third Miami appearance. This raises concerns ahead of the World Cup.

RB: Facundo Mura—6.9: Making his second right-back start, Mura had minimal impact, struggling to adjust with Messi ahead of him. Neither he nor Ian Fray have made strong impressions in this role.

CB: Maxi Falcón—7.5: After needing time to settle, the Uruguayan defender has rediscovered his rhythm. He produced several crucial blocks and interceptions as Miami sought to preserve their narrow late advantage.

CB: Micael—7.4: Building his partnership with Falcón and coordination with St. Clair, Micael delivered his most solid performance since joining the Herons this winter, recording 14 defensive actions.

LB: Noah Allen—7.3: Allen endured a difficult season start but excelled against D.C. United. Operating behind Silvetti and Yannick Bright, the Greek youth international contributed across all phases of left-wing play.

DM: Rodrigo De Paul—8.2: Now with two goals this season following his spectacular opener, the Argentina international benefits from greater stability in defensive midfield alongside Bright.

DM: Yannick Bright—8.0: Though not officially credited with an assist, Bright was instrumental in Messi's 899th career goal, winning the tackle that initiated the sequence involving Allen and Silvetti, leading to the Argentine's 2–0 marker.

RW: Lionel Messi (c)—7.8: Messi was central to Mascherano's tactical adjustment, positioning wide to avoid central congestion. The 38-year-old tormented Keisuke Kurokawa and João Peglow, making runs wide and centrally in a liberated role.

AM: Telasco Segovia—7.7: Assuming the central attacking responsibility from Messi, Segovia's two-way contribution was notable. The Venezuela international delivered the perfect pass for De Paul's opener while making seven recoveries to thwart counter-attacks.

LW: Mateo Silvetti—7.4: The young Argentine has established himself as a crucial starter with Miami, providing an elegant assist for Messi's goal, giving him a goal and assist in his last two appearances.

CF: Germán Berterame—7.6: Still seeking his inaugural MLS goal, Berterame has found it difficult to connect with his attacking teammates. Could a return to Luis Suárez be considered?

SUB: Tadeo Allende (71' for Silvetti)—6.3: The 2025 MLS Cup playoff hero helped secure the result after coming on for the final 19 minutes.

SUB: Gonzalo Luján (88' for Segovia)—N/A: Luján made his second consecutive late substitute appearance.

Subs not used: Rocco Ríos Novo (GK), Cesar Abadia-Reda, David Ayala, Ian Fray, David Ruiz, Daniel Pinter, Luis Suárez

What the Ratings Tell Us

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Miami's Win

The Numbers That Explain Miami's Win