Lionel Messi had a hand in all three goals to keep Inter Miami firmly in contention for the MLS ' Supporters Shield with a 3-1 home win over D.C. United on Saturday.

The Argentine star provided an inch-perfect pass over the D.C. defense for Tadeo Allende to open the scoring for Miami in the 35th minute at Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium.

Former Belgium striker Christian Benteke drew D.C. level early in the second half but Messi soon took over to deliver Miami all three valuable points.

He scored his first in the 66th minute, cushioning a pass from ex- Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba perfectly into his stride before dispatching the ball into the far side of the net. And the 38-year-old gave Miami some breathing room with the pick of the goals, picking out the top corner wi

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