Inter Miami - DC United summary: score, goals and highlight | MLS
Inter Miami - DC United: As it happened
Leonardo Campana was the hero for Inter Miami as Tata Martino's side snatched a late victory against a well-drilled DC United.
Kickoff at Chase Stadium was delayed by a weather alert in South Florida, with lightening strikes, hailstones and heavy rain. The storms soon cleared but life didn't get much easier for the hosts as they came up against a physical and determined DC team.
The best chance of the first half fell to Miami youngster Benjamin Cremaschi but his close-range effort was well saved by Alex Bono. The Herons continued to push after the break but DC began to pose a threat on the counter-attack, aided by the direct running of Jared Stroud and Cristian Dajome.
The visitors had a chance to snatch it in the final minutes but it was Miami who would find a dramatic late winner. Leonardo Campana came on in the third minute of added time, an additional change granted to Miami after DC were given use of a concussion substitution, and wasted little time in making his mark. Within seconds of his introduction the Ecuadorian striker latched onto a bouncing ball and hammered a strike past Bono with his first touch of the game.
Inter Miami saw out the final minutes to pick up their sixth win in seven MLS games and retain their spot at the top of the Supporters Shield standings.
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Inter Miami were rescued with a dramatic late intervention from Leonardo Campana, the team's lesser-spotted Designated Player. The Herons striker has lost his place in the starting XI this season but he remains the team's wealthiest player, thanks to his remarkable family connections.
Watch: Leonardo Campana gives Miami late win
Here it is, that dramatic match-winner from Leonardo Campana. He had only been on the field for a matter of seconds but showed the coolness and the quality required to thrash a bouncing ball past Alex Bono.
Inter Miami celebrate another victory and retain their place at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeep
And it is! Inter Miami have a hard-fought victory at Chase Stadium, Leonardo Campana the hero with a dramatic late winner.
Quality ball in from Klich causes chaos in the Miami box. Another cross is clipped in by Herrera but Murrell's header is off-target.
That must be that now!
DC United win a free kick 15 yards into the Miami half. Klich with a chance to deliver, is there any more late drama?
The ball is back is Bono, who plays a long ball forward towards Benteke.
Weigandt wins the header and clears it for Miami. Final seconds now.
Drake Callender pumps a goal kick forward for Miami. Jordi Alba tries to pounce on the second ball but gives away a throw-in.
Inter Miami are holding on for a dramatic late win now. We're into the final minute of the designated seven but we'll have a bit extra after all the additional time drama.
Mateusz Klich
The DC midfielder gets a late booking. A bit of frustration there.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL! Leonardo Campana
Incredible! Leo Campana has just entered the field as Miami's final substitution and he rifles the ball into the back of the net with his first touch.
What a finish!
Interestingly, because that was an additional 'concussion substitution' Inter Miami will also get the option of an extra change.
There will be a late change. Martin Rodriguez is replaced by Gabriel Priani.
We'll have a minimum of seven minutes of added time, although it could be longer with this injury delay.
Martin Rodriguez
The DC United midfielder gets a whack to the face and is down receiving treatment. It looks like the visitors will make another substitution.
Delightful ball forward from Busquets finds Messi racing in on goal but he can't quite get away from McVey. The DC defender does brilliantly to hold Messi up and block his route to goal.
DC get the ball clear.
Peltola re-enters the field as Inter Miami look to build down the right.
Ruiz is dispossessed in the midfield and DC break swiftly, finding Murrell streaming forward on the right. He tries to catch Callender asleep at the near post but the Miami keeper saves comfortably.
Matti Peltola
The DC United substitute is being seen to by medical staff after sustaining a knock to the head. Doesn't seem to be anything too serious but the medical team will want to make sure.
Dangerous cross in from Messi is punched clear by Bono.
Ruiz latches onto the loose ball and tries his luck from 25 yards but his effort is well off-target.
This has looked like a tired performance from Inter Miami so far. The Herons have failed to strength the DC backline, unable to find gaps between this well-drilled back five.
Miami win a free kick on the right flank, a chance for Messi to deliver..
Final change of the game for Inter Miami as David Ruiz comes on to replace Julian Gressel.
Christian Benteke brings DC forward again and tries his luck from range, winning a corner kick for his team.
Inter Miami defend the corner well and look to get back up-field.
Triple change for DC United as Tubbs, Murrell and Rodriguez enter the fray.
Birnbaum, Stroud and Santos are replaced.
Steve Birnbaum is down for DC United. He's played well in his first game back in the team, but he'll soon be departing.
Robert Taylor does brilliantly to dance into the DC penalty box and plays a teasing pass right across the six-yard box. There's no one there to convert for Miami!
Big opportunity missed there.
This time Marcelo Weigandt rises to meet the cross but his header floats harmlessly over the crossbar.
Lionel Messi skips past Pedro Sanchez on the right wing and wins a corner corner for his team.
The first ball is cleared but Miami win another corner kick...
Another Miami attack breaks down and DC United come forward again. Herrera makes it to the penalty box and cuts back, opting to keep the ball for his team.
DC look to build a little spell of possession but Klich soon gives the ball away.
Lionel Messi brings down a lofted pass on the edge of the box and send a fierce left-footed drive just over the crossbar. First attempt of real venom from the Argentine. He's been quiet tonight.
Fizzing effort from Peltola from the edge of the box, just whistles wide of the post.
DC United are in the ascendency now.
Brilliant play from DC on the right to make space for Dajome on the edge of the box but his effort flies over the crossbar.
Benteke is furious that Dajome didn't slip the ball to him, he was in on goal!
Dajome makes good progress down the left, before checking back and playing the ball back to Sanchez. Dajome's pace on the break will be important for DC.
The game has been a little disrupted in the last few minutes, too disjointed for Inter Miami to build any pressure. That'll suit DC United very nicely.
Freire is not able to continue. Sergi Kryvtsov comes on to replace the injured defender.
There's a bit of a break in play as Nicolas Freire is down receiving treatment after a coming together on the edge of the Miami box.
Another DC change. Theodore Ku-DiPietro is off, replaced by Christian Dajome.
DC look to build a bit of pressure and both Stroud and Benteke look to make space for a shot in the box. Wiegandt does well to block their attempts, but DC are showing a bit of offensive intent now.
Suarez and Messi loose the ball attempting a sharp interchange and DC break with pace. Tomas Aviles does well to stem the counter-attack and clears for a DC throw-in.
With that change for Inter Miami it looks like Taylor will be starting on the left of the front three, with Rojas taking up a more central role in midfield.
It's an attacking move from Tata Martino.
And a substitution from DC. Jackson Hopkins is off, Matti Peltola is on.
First change of the game for Miami, Benjamin Cremaschi is replaced by Robert Taylor.
Clever flick on the left from Alba to send Rojas racing down the wing. He gets into the box and tries to beat Bono from a tight angle but his effort is dragged wide of the far post.
DC curl in a cross from the left and find Stroud in acres of space at the back post. He looks to connect on the volley but scuffs his effort and it bounces wide of the target.
Big miss for DC United!
Klich's corner kick is aimed towards Benteke but the DC forward can't meet it.
DC United break forward with four on the counter-attack. Stroud curls in a cross from the right but it's cleared away by Aviles in the middle.
The ball is swung in again towards Benteke and the ball bounces off Weigandt and out for a DC corner kick.
DC's compact structure is continuing to frustrate Miami. Messi tries to slip a pass through to Alba on the left but it's cut out.
Santos finds Hopkins in the midfield for DC and the youngster tries to thread a neat pass through to Benteke. It's a little too tight and the hosts regain possession.
Chris McVey (DC United)
Messi and Busquets combine well for on the edge of the Miami box. The former Heron is booked for a cynical foul to stem the attack.
Luis Suarez goes down in the box and demands a penalty.
No penalty, says the referee. A pretty embarrassing dive from Suarez there.
And we're back!
DC United get the action back underway at Chase Stadium...
Inter Miami toil against DC
The Herons have all four of their superstar veterans on the field at Chase Stadium but have failed to conjure up much magic so far. DC United have looked resolute in their defence and Troy Lesesne's side have posed a threat on the break.
An engrossing 45 minutes to follow.
All square at the break. Inter Miami have, of course, dominated the ball with two-thirds of the possession in the first half. However they have failed to make anything of it and will be looking for improvement in the second 45.
The best chance of the first half fell to Benjamin Cremaschi, the young midfielder running through on goal after a rather hopeful long ball forward from the Herons.
The rain seems to have left for good now, allowing Miami to play their game a little more easily.
Peep peeeeep peeeeeeeeeeep
The referee blows for half time and a posse of Inter Miami players immediately surround him. It's not clear what they're protesting but it's a sign of their frustrations after a scoreless first half.
Brilliant from Ku-DiPietro to win the ball off Rojas in midfield and charge through the challenges, bringing his team up to the Miami penalty box. Eventually he is dispossessed but it was terrific work from the DC forward.
A long ball forward from Miami looks to have set Matias Rojas in on goal. He sprints into the DC penalty box but Aaron Herrera does well to get his body in the way and he clears the danger.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time.
Nicolas Freire heads the first ball clear but DC come back with another lofted pass. Eventually Miami get it clear.
Matias Rojas is penalised for a clumsy challenge on Lucas Bartlett on the halfway line. DC will look to clip the ball forward into the box.
Clever movement from Suarez to allow a hopeful ball forward to bounce into the path of Cremaschi. The youngster is through on goal but Bono makes himself big and saves well.
Best chance of the game so far!
With the rain now cleared, Inter Miami are able to get their foot on the ball once again.
They pass the ball around with composure but without any real penetration. Good defensive shape from DC United.
Young Jackson Hopkins has looked composed in midfield for DC so far. The 19 year old has acquitted himself well.
Ku-DiPeitro looks to make space for a shot on the edge of the box. He cuts inside from the right but his left-footed shot is well off-target and spins wide of the goal.
Messi looks to curl the free kick but the ball is headed clear by the DC wall.
This free kick is much better-suited for Messi. More central, around 25 yards out, and the rain has pretty much stopped...
One-two from Rojas and Suarez causes panic in the DC defence and the Uruguayan is clipped on the edge of the box. Free kick to Inter Miami.
Ku-DiPietro brings the ball forward for DC United and finds Stroud darting into the Miami box. He tries to fire the ball across the face of goal but he's crowded out by recovering defenders.
Jackson Hopkins is penalised for a late challenge on Matias Rojas in midfield.
Inter Miami come forward again with Jordi Alba on the left, trying to find Suarez in the middle. McVey does well for DC to get back in the middle and clear the danger.
Sharp, incisive run from Lionel Messi to dart through the DC midfield and shift it out to Alba on the left. He tries to pull the ball back but it's cut out in the box.
We're back to the action after that brief break.
The rain has eased now but the pitch looks like it's starting to cut up a little. You sense that any disruption will suit DC.
Half an hour in, we'll have a 'hydration break' on a sweltering evening in South Florida.
Matias Rojas
The Miami midfielder is shown a yellow card. It's not immediately clear what for.
The game is getting pretty feisty now.
Eventually the free kick is curled in from the right but Callender comes out to claim it well.
The visitors try to take the kick short but the referee pulls it back. That doesn't stop Suarez from leaving a heavy boot on Pedro Sanchez.
You sense the veteran forward knew what he was doing there...
DC try a quick free kick routine to make space for a shot but Klich whacks the ball into Miami defenders.
The ball bounces free and DC win another free kick, this time to the right of the Miami box.
Slick interplay between Messi, Busquets and Cremaschi, who show great balance to keep their footing on this slippery surface.
DC win it back and storm up-field. Benteke wins a free kick for his team, 30 yards from the Miami goal.
DC United break swiftly, taking advantage on Alba's injury. They win a corner kick on the right, a big chance to deliver for Benteke...
Jordi Alba get a whack on the shin on the left flank as Jared Stroud tries to win the ball.
The Spaniard is not happy, but it looked like a fair challenge.
Messi's free kick goes straight into the DC wall.
That's it, Lionel. No more set pieces for you.
After his stunner against Montreal last week, will Matias Roja take the free kick?
Of course he won't. Lionel Messi stands over the ball, 25 yards from goal, rain streaking down his scowling face.
Touchline clothing update - Lesesne's grey suit is now completely drenched, Tata Martino is sporting a towel across his shoulders in a bid to remain dry.
Back on the field, Inter Miami win a free kick on the edge of the penalty box.
Pedro Sanchez tries his luck from distance. He fires off a bouncing drive that tests Callender but the Miami goalkeeper gathers it well.
The rain is really pouring down down in Miami, soaking the light grey suit of DC United head coach Troy Lesesne. The surface could get very slippery if this downpour continues.
Messi clips a pass forward towards Suarez, who is flagged for an offside.
The Uruguayan does not appreciate that decision, making his frustrations clear to the assistant referee. He was, marginally, offside.
Bit of a worry for Miami as Marcelo Weigandt looks to be struggling with an injury. He motioned to the bench, possibly needing treatment.
Alba does well to cut out a cross-field pass from former Heron McVey, preventing Stroud getting in on goal.
First sight of goal for DC as Stroud brings the ball forward and finds Benteke in the box. He twists and turns but can't find space for a shot, eventually losing possession.
Sergio Busquets shows brilliant inventiveness to cushion a high aerial ball in the direction of Suarez, but the Miami striker can't latch on to the pass.
Messi, Cremaschi and Suarez combine well in the middle. Ball's worked wide to Alba but his left-footed pass is a little aimless and is well cleared.
Good break from DC United but Weigandt gets back to stem the attack.
From the off Messi is looking lively, dropping deep to build the play and bursting forward to provide an offensive threat.
It's a hot one today with the temperatures in the 90s all day. We're expecting a water break midway through both halves at Chase Stadium.
Strong tackle from Weigandt on the right, preventing Sanchez from making too much progress down the wing. That could be an interesting battle as this game goes on.
Messi finds Alba streaking forward on the left flank but the Spaniard's run was a little early, he's called for offside.
Tomas Aviles tries to find Jordi Alba on the left but his clipped pass is overhit and bounces out for a throw-in.
DC United are looking fairly direct from the off, looking to take advantage of Benteke's aerial dominance against an inexperienced Miami defence.
Neat touches from Benjamin Cremaschi in the middle of midfield. The Miami youngster has recently returned to the starting XI from injury.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get us underway...
We're nearly ready for kickoff!
The players are out at Chase Stadium. The storm has passed and we're ready for the off.
Game faces on for Inter Miami
Anything less than an MLS Cup will be seen as a failure for Inter Miami, who have assembled the most decorated roster in league history. We found out earlier this week that the Herons have, by some distance, the highest salary bill in the league and they have a limited window to get the benefits of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez' generational talents.
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Kickoff at Chase Stadium is fast approaching and we'll have full coverage with live text commentary and video footage of all the goals.
You can also choose to watch all the action live with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Here's everything you need to know to stream Inter Miami - DC United...
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami warm up at Chase Stadium
We're around 20 minutes from kickoff in South Florida. Inter Miami were without Lionel Messi for the midweek trip to Orlando City but the Herons captain is back in the starting XI today and will be hoping to add to his MLS tally of 10 goals and 12 assists.
New kickoff time: 8:05pm
Kickoff for Inter Miami - DC United has been pushed back by 35 minutes, meaning that we're expecting the action to begin at 8:05pm (ET). The Herons team has just entered the field to begin warmups and supporters are starting to take their seats after sheltering in the concourse.
We have a game!
Weather delay is over at Inter Miami!
After a quick bout of May showers the weather alert at Chase Stadium has passed and the players are preparing to take to the field for this MLS clash.
We'll bring you the confirmed kickoff time ASAP...
Players to watch for DC United
DC United have struggled to find consistent form in MLS this season but they have found a sure-fire source of goals. The creative quality of Jared Stroud have been the perfect compliment for the airily dominant Christian Benteke, who has scored a league-high 11 goals in MLS this year.
Inter Miami arrive at Chase Stadium. / Inter Miami
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez enjoy the Florida storms
We've had sharp showers, lightening and hailstones at Chase Stadium ahead of tonight's clash between Inter Miami and DC United. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez may not have seen much of this weather during their time together in Barcelona but they look happy enough in the Florida storm.
Despite the weather, DC United take in the sights
Troy Lesesne's team arrive in South Florida off the back of a chastening 4-1 loss to in-form New York Red Bulls. DC will be looking to bounce back at Chase Stadium but come up against a full-strength Inter Miami team who are also looking for revenge after a disappointing midweek result.
Weather alert at Inter Miami - DC United
Within the last few minutes Inter Miami has released a statement on the ongoing weather delay. With high winds and hail in the area supporters have been told not to take their seats yet, the players have not yet begun their warmups.
"We're still under a weather delay at Chase Stadium. The new kickoff time will be announced when available."
It's clear now that we will not be making the scheduled 7:30pm (ET) kickoff time. We'll have more on the weather situation as it develops.
Tata Martino warns of fatigue risk
“After we played them in DC, they descended into an erratic period regarding results and performance and have even modified their tactical setup, but all MLS teams represent a different degree of complexity and we must be very attentive."
“Especially because it is the third game in a week, fatigue and travel begin to play a role and we will have to be attentive not only to the opponent, but also to our own physical fitness”.
And here's how DC United line up...
No major surprises for the visitors tonight, with MLS joint-top scorer Christian Benteke leading the line for DC United. He, along with Luis Suarez and Chicho Arango, lead the scoring charts with 11 goals in MLS this season.
Former St Louis midfielder Jared Stroud will look to replicate the stunning strike that he scored against Miami earlier this year.
Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami?
Yes, he is!
The Inter Miami captain missed the midweek trip to Orlando City due to injury but is named in the starting XI for the visit of DC United. He starts alongside Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez in what is close to a full-strength Inter Miami team.
No excuses for the Herons tonight.
NWS issues 'special weather statement'
Here's a closer look at the advice issued by the National Weather Service regarding conditions in South Florida, where Inter Miami are poised to host DC United in MLS Matchweek 15. It looks like we'll have strong winds and hail lasting until 7pm (ET), roughly another half an hour.
Kick-off is set for 7:30pm (ET), although that may be subject to change.
BREAKING! Weather alert at Inter Miami
It looks like today's action may well be delayed due to a burst of dangerous weather, with strong winds and hailstones in the area.
More on this breaking news story as it develops...
It will come as no surprise to learn that Inter Miami, with their galaxy of international stars, rank as the league's biggest spenders in terms of salary. With Luis Suarez recently added to the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba they are certainly not short of big-name talent in the roster.
We take a look at the Herons' vast MLS wage bill...
Who is playing in MLS today?
Inter Miami's game against DC United is one of 12 MLS fixtures being played across a hectic Saturday of soccer. This week's action got underway with a 1-1 draw between Nashville and Atlanta United, which included a controversial goal for Atlanta on the road.
Ahead of today's game Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has had his say on Lionel Messi's fitness status. The Argentine star picked up a knee injury in last week's win over CF Montreal but looks to have made a swift recovery.
What is Lionel Messi 2024 record?
In short, pretty impressive.
The Inter Miami captain hit a bit of a lull in late 2023, after his Leagues Cup heroics, but has started the new campaign in incredible form. Messi was absent for the draw against Orlando but is expected to start back at Chase Stadium.
Full team news to come shortly...
Hello and welcome to AS USA!
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you full live coverage of the MLS clash between Inter Miami and DC United. The Herons are expected to welcome back Lionel Messi after the Argentine missed the midweek draw against Orlando City due to injury.
With Messi back in the team, can anything stop in-form Inter Miami?