Match Overview
On March 7, 2026, D.C. United faced off against Inter Miami at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. This match was significant not only for the teams involved but also for the record attendance, with 72,026 fans present, marking the largest crowd in D.C. United’s history.
Scoring Breakdown
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net. This early goal set the tone for the match, showcasing Inter Miami’s attacking prowess. In the 27th minute, Lionel Messi added to the scoreline, netting his 899th career goal with a well-placed shot following a pass from Mateo Silvetti.
D.C. United’s Response
D.C. United managed to find the back of the net in the 75th minute when Tai Baribo scored, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Despite this effort, D.C. United could not equalize, and the match concluded with Inter Miami securing the victory.
Dayne St. Clair, a player for D.C. United, expressed his thoughts on the match, stating, “It’s definitely nice to be able to go to away stadiums and know that you probably have more supporters than the actual home team.” Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “Three games away, we’ve achieved two victories. There’s a lot to improve, but it’s always better to improve from a victory.” He also emphasized the importance of not focusing too narrowly on specific competitions.
Implications of the Match
With this victory, Inter Miami improved their season record to 2 wins and 1 loss, while D.C. United fell to 1 win and 2 losses. Messi’s goal further solidified his remarkable performance with Inter Miami, where he has now scored 80 goals in 91 matches.
Looking Ahead
Following this match, Inter Miami is set to visit Nashville SC for the Concacaf Champions Cup on March 11. This upcoming match will be crucial as they aim to build on their recent success and continue their momentum in the league.
The match between D.C. United and Inter Miami not only showcased high-level soccer but also highlighted the significance of Messi’s ongoing legacy in the sport. As fans look forward to the next fixtures, the excitement surrounding both teams continues to grow.