Inter Miami 3-1 Seattle Sounders: Messi and Alba lead Leagues Cup final revenge
Inter Miami returned to winning ways in MLS as they defeated the Seattle Sounders at home, just 16 days after their Leagues Cup final loss.
Inter Miami inflicted revenge on the Seattle Sounders with a 3-1 win at Chase Stadium in MLS.
Just 16 days after their Leagues Cup final defeat to the Sounders, Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi and Ian Fray got on the scoresheet to help Miami move within eight points of Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union with three games in hand.
The hosts opened the scoring after 12 minutes through Alba. Yannick Bright and Messi dispossessed Cristian Roldan in the attacking half and the Argentinian forward drove to the edge of the box before putting the ball on a plate for Alba to finish.
Messi then struck the woodwork on the half-hour mark before doubling the lead four minutes before the break. Bright once again regained possession before playing Alba down the left wing, and the Spaniard found Messi in the middle with a low cross that the captain was able to slide home.
Stefan Frei managed to deny Messi from getting a second two minutes later, punching the ball around the post from the forward's dragged effort, but was unable to stop Fray's powerful header from Rodrigo De Paul's corner six minutes into the second half.
Seattle had their chances in the second period, with Osaze De Rosario missing a great opportunity from 10 yards out, but they did get what turned out to be a consolation goal in the 69th minute as Obed Vargas finished past Oscar Ustari with a first-time shot from Jordan Morris' cutback.
Data Debrief: Home comforts for Messi
Although Miami scored three goals from their eight shots on target, Frei's five saves helped the visitors keep the scoreline respectable. The Herons accumulated 2.53 expected goals (xG) to the Sounders' 1.22 from 14 attempts in the match.
Messi also continued his incredible form at Chase Stadium. He has now directly contributed to 13 goals (eight goals, five assists) in his last five MLS home appearances, which includes a 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati.
Meanwhile, this is Seattle's second loss in 17 matches since returning from the Club World Cup (10 wins, five draws), and their first defeat in 10 games against Eastern Conference opposition.
