No Messi, No Problem: Miami Hold D.C. United

News Desk 

Washington: Inter Miami proved it can grind out results without its injured superstar Lionel Messi, battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against D.C. United on Saturday in Major League Soccer action.

The match carried a touch of déjà vu for fans in the US capital, who for the second consecutive year were denied the chance to see Messi in person. The Argentine, leading MLS in scoring with 19 goals in 19 appearances, was sidelined with a leg injury.

But the absence of Messi — along with fellow ex-Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez from the starting XI — didn’t stop Miami from finding a moment of brilliance. 

Midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez delivered the equalizer in the 64th minute, unleashing a curling shot into the top right corner, his first goal since joining on loan from Racing Club in Argentina.

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Earlier, Jackson Hopkins had given United an early spark, converting a Matti Pelota pass in the 13th minute for just the second goal of his career. It briefly looked like the home debut of coach René Weiler would deliver D.C. fans long-awaited joy. 

Instead, United’s winless run stretched to 11 league games, its last victory dating back to May 31.

The match also underlined Miami’s growing squad depth. Despite making eight changes from their Leagues Cup quarterfinal triumph midweek, the Herons dominated possession (65.5%) once Busquets and Suárez came off the bench, tilting momentum firmly in their favor.

The draw leaves Miami (13-5-7, 46 points) chasing silverware on multiple fronts, with a Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City looming Wednesday. For D.C. United (4-15-9, 21 points), the night ended in frustration — missing both Messi’s magic and their own talisman Christian Benteke, suspended for yellow card accumulation.

For Washington fans, it was another reminder: Messi’s shadow looms large, even when he’s not on the pitch.

Input from Sportstar website.