DC United vs. Inter Miami LIVE Updates: Lionel Messi doubles the lead with a delicate finish (0-2)

Leo dribbled past two defenders and, following a rebound, took a shot from outside the box. The ball went just wide.

The goal he just scored against DC United is Messi’s 899th in his professional career. If he scores another, he will become only the second player in history to reach 900, after Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentine forward scored with a delicate finish following an assist from Silvetti.

Lionel Messi doubles the lead for the Herons.

The scorer of the opener tried again with a right-footed shot, but this time the ball went wide.

The Argentine midfielder scored following a ball recovered by Berterame and an assist from Segovia.

Rodrigo De Paul received the ball inside the box and scored with a powerful strike.

Hopkins fired a shot from outside the box, but goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair gathered it safely.

Inter Miami’s lack of precision has prevented the Argentine forward from getting regularly involved in the game so far.

Rodrigo De Paul fired a shot from outside the box, and goalkeeper Sean Johnson controlled the ball.

In the opening minutes, the Herons have most of the possession, but so far without much attacking threat.

DC United and Inter Miami are now underway.

After facing DC United, the Herons will have little rest, as they will make their debut in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC at Geodis Park on Wednesday. A week later, they will play the second leg at Chase Stadium, while in between those matches, they will visit Charlotte FC next Saturday in MLS.

In the hours leading up to Saturday’s match against DC United, the Herons confirmed an addition to Javier Mascherano’s squad. “Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed defender Cesar Abadia-Reda on a short-term agreement from the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro side Inter Miami CF II,” the club said in a statement.

“The left back will be available for today’s match against D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland,” the Herons added. “The defender is signed on a short-term agreement for the first time this season and overall second time, after featuring in the matchday squad for Inter Miami’s draw at home against FC Cincinnati last July.”

Last Sunday, in the victory against Orlando City, Lionel Messi scored a brace, bringing his total to 898 goals in his professional career across Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team. If he scores two or more goals this Saturday, he will become only the second player in history to reach 900 official goals, after Cristiano Ronaldo.

DC United will not play this Saturday at Audi Stadium, as they usually do. This time, they have moved to Baltimore to host the game at M&T Bank Stadium, where the capacity is much larger (71,000 spectators compared to 20,000). This will allow a bigger crowd of fans to see Lionel Messi in action.

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Head coach Javier Mascherano has selected the following XI to face DC United: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael Silva, Noah Allen; Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.

For Saturday’s clash against Inter Miami, head coach Rene Weiler has selected the following XI: Sean Johnson; Silvan Hefti, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Keisuke Kurokawa; Joao Peglow, Brandon Servania, Matti Peltola, Jackson Hopkins; Gabriel Pirani, Tai Baribo.

DC United and Inter Miami's game will begin at 4:30 PM (ET).

You can watch the MLS match live on MLS Season Pass.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between DC United and Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.