Messi lifts Inter Miami past D.C. United 2-1 before 72,026 in Baltimore

Lionel Messi scored his third goal of the season as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United in front of a large crowd in Baltimore.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Lionel Messi scored in the 27th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead, and the defending MLS Cup champions held on for a 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night in front of 72,026 fans at the home of the Baltimore Ravens. Rodrigo De Paul also scored for Inter Miami, while Tai Baribo pulled one back for D.C. United in the second half.

Why it matters

Messi's presence continues to draw huge crowds and interest in MLS, as evidenced by the game being moved from D.C. United's smaller venue to the larger Ravens stadium in Baltimore. The win keeps Inter Miami in a strong position early in the season as they look to defend their MLS Cup title.

The details

Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from the goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net. Messi then scored his third goal of the young MLS season in the 27th minute, slipping behind the D.C. defense to receive Mateo Silvetti's pass and flicking the ball with one touch past goalie Sean Johnson. Tai Baribo pulled one back for D.C. United in the 75th minute, but they were unable to equalize.

  • The game was played on Saturday night, March 8, 2026.
  • Messi scored in the 27th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead.
  • Tai Baribo scored for D.C. United in the 75th minute to make it 2-1.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2023 and scored his third goal of the 2026 MLS season in this match.

Rodrigo De Paul

Midfielder for Inter Miami who scored the opening goal in the 17th minute.

Tai Baribo

Forward for D.C. United who scored his team's lone goal in the 75th minute.

Sean Johnson

Goalkeeper for D.C. United who was unable to stop Messi's goal in the 27th minute.

Mateo Silvetti

Midfielder for Inter Miami who provided the assist on Messi's goal.

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What they’re saying

“Messi obviously draws a lot of interest, so we're glad we could bring this game to a bigger venue in Baltimore for the fans.”

— Phil Neville, Inter Miami Head Coach (CBS News Baltimore)

What’s next

Inter Miami will next face Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday night, while D.C. United will travel to Chicago on Saturday night for their next MLS match.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's presence continues to drive massive interest and attendance in MLS, as evidenced by the decision to move this match from D.C. United's home stadium to the larger Ravens stadium in Baltimore. Inter Miami's win keeps them in a strong position early in the season as they look to defend their MLS Cup title.