Lionel Messi has two goals, helps to lead Inter Miami to 3-2 win over DC United

Fort Lauderdale, fla. (AP) -Lionel Messi had a first half before scoring two goals in the second half to take over the lead of the league and give a 3-2 victory over DC United on Saturday night. Messi scored the lead goal in the 66th minute before adding in the 85th insurance. He has 22 goals, one more than the Nashville Sam Surridge Sam in the Golden Boot award this season. Defender Jordi Alba collected his 10th help on Messi’s first goal and Sergio Busquets recorded his seventh place for the prop. The first year midfielder Tadeo Allende scored his eighth goal with a help from Messi-in the 35th minute and Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead in halftime. It was Messi’s 12th help this season – linked to the fourth most in the league. DC United moved even in the 53rd minute when Christian Benteke took a pass from Brandon Servania and recorded. It was the ninth goal for the 2024 Golden Boat winner and the 47th of his career. It was the third help for Servania, which matched his career high. DC United came to the second goal of Jacob Murrell this season within 3-2 seven minutes. Benteke and Rida Zouhir both picked up their second help. ÓScar Ustari ends with four savings for Inter Miami (15-6-7) in its 22nd start. Luis Barraza rescued four shots for DC United (5-16-10). Inter Miami, fifth at the eastern conference, travels on Wednesday to play fourth place in New York City FC on Citi Field, with one point with two games in hand. DC United will host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. ___