Inter Miami had won just once in their last four games, but Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba made sure that skid didn’t extend, combining to lead an emphatic 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday night. Billed as a Leagues Cup final rematch, the Herons looked intent on sending a message after being blanked in back-to-back games for the first time in Messi's tenure.
Miami manager Javier Mascherano deserved his share of credit for the result, as the Argentine made a tactical shift from his favored 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3. He also moved up Alba from his preferred left back position to left wing. Both moves paid off immediately.
With Alba focusing largely on attack, he was able to dictate more, and within 12 minutes, Miami got on the scoresheet. Seattle's Cristian Roldan was forced off possession by Yannick Bright, who immediately fed the ball to Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner found the veteran Spaniard charging toward the goal and connected on a spectacular pass. Alba finished with ease to put Miami up 1-0.
Miami had more opportunities to pad their lead, but couldn't capitalize. Messi beat two defenders in the box and had a wide-open net, but hit the crossbar in the 26th minute. He more than made up for that moments later.
Rodrigo De Paul, playing in his preferred central midfield position, broke up a play by Seattle to launch another attack in transition, and Alba returned the favor to Messi, finding the Argentine in the box. It was a typical finish from the former Barcelona star as he doubled the Herons' advantage in the 42nd minute.
Paul Rothrock had a big opportunity to cut into the lead in the dying seconds of extra time but he was soundly blocked by Oscar Ustari by the near post. The home side continued its onslaught in the second half. De Paul launched a perfect corner kick into the head of Ian Fray in front of goal to push the Herons' advantage to 3-0 - the exact scoreline by which Seattle beat Miami in the Leagues Cup final on Aug. 31.
Seattle had other chances to narrow Miami's advantage but couldn't execute. Osaze De Rosario had a 1v1 on the break against Ustari, but his shot went left and hit the post. Obed Vargas launched a rocket that Ustari also denied. However, the introduction of U.S. international Jordan Morris breathed new life into Seattle.
The American cut inside the box from the right-hand side and found Vargas open in space. The Mexico international blasted a shot past Ustari to cut the deficit to 3-1. Yet, Miami bunkered down after that attempt and ultimately held on for the win. With the victory, Miami jumped to fifth in the Eastern Conference and have three games in hand.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium.
