Photo by Luiza Moraes/MLS via Getty Images

DC United 1-2 Inter Miami Player Ratings - Lionel Messi Shines, Someone Else Was Even Better

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 6:45 PM ET

DC United hosted Inter Miami this Saturday, March 7, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, in Matchday Three of the MLS. The Herons won, but Lionel Messi is not the MVP.

After two games, Messi's team was in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with three points, one win, and one loss.

On the other hand, DC United was in sixth place, also with three points, one win and one loss, surpassing Miami on goal difference (0, while the Herons had -1).

On the previous matchday, Inter Miami came back to defeat Orlando City in the Florida derby, 4-2, with goals from Mateo Silvetti (49'), Lionel Messi (57', 90'), and Telasco Segovia (85'). DC United, meanwhile, lost 0-1 to Austin FC on Sunday, March 1.

The match ended 1-2 in favor of Inter Miami.

Rodrigo De Paul #7 of Inter Miami CF passes during the MLS match between D.C. United and Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium on March 07, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Greg Fiume/MLS via Getty Images

DC United 1-2 Inter Miami: Player Ratings

The first goal was scored by Rodrigo De Paul in the 17th minute, assisted by Telasco Segovia. Later, Lionel Messi scored, assisted by Mateo Silvetti.

Our MVP was De Paul, because in addition to the goal, he created a great scoring chance, completed seven passes in the final third, connected on two of two crosses, and added two defensive contributions.

DC United	Inter Miami
Johnson — 4	St. Clair — 5
Hefti — 6	Mura — 6
Bartlett — 5	Falcón — 6
Rowles — 6	Micael — 7
Kurokawa — 7	Allen — 7
Peltola — 7	De Paul — 8 (MVP)
Servania — 6	Bright — 7
Pirani — 6	Messi — 7
Hopkins — 6	Segovia — 7
Peglow — 7	Silvetti — 7
Baribo — 7	Berterame — 7