Fort Lauderdale, Sep 17 (IANS) – Inter Miami CF bounced back to form with a commanding 3-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC at Chase Stadium, driven by standout performances from Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, along with a goal from Academy graduate Ian Fray.
Alba opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Messi sparked a counterattack, slipping the ball wide to the Spanish full-back, who finished calmly with his left foot. It marked Alba’s third goal of the regular season, while Messi registered his 11th assist.
Messi came close to doubling the lead twice, striking the post in the 28th minute and forcing a save soon after. Fray also tested Seattle’s goalkeeper with a powerful header before halftime.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Alba returned the favor, delivering a pinpoint cross that Messi slid home to make it 2-0. The strike was Messi’s 20th goal in just 21 MLS appearances, while Alba tallied his ninth assist of the season.
Miami’s dominance continued after the restart. In the 52nd minute, Fray rose highest on a corner from De Paul to score his first goal of the campaign, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Seattle pulled one back in the 69th minute through Obed Vargas, but the visitors could not break Miami’s control. Late in the match, new signing Silvetti made his debut, replacing Allende in the 81st minute.
The scoreline held as Miami sealed all three points, with Messi named Royal Caribbean Icon of the Match for his decisive impact.
