DC United news

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Luna's excellent playmaking performance

Former D.C. United and Atlanta United player Mateusz Klich has delivered a scathing assessment of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami while highlighting several other Major League Soccer clubs as more appealing destinations. The Polish international spent two years in MLS between 2023 to 2025 before leaving for Polish club Cracovia.

Despite a 3-2 win over D.C. United that strengthened Inter Miami’s playoff position, head coach Javier Mascherano admitted that defensive lapses remain a key area to improve. The Argentine stressed the need to maintain composure when falling behind and to correct mistakes in transitions as the Herons enter the decisive stretch of the MLS season.

At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s two goals and clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United on Saturday night, giving Inter Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t straightforward, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.

Though Lionel Messi is reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract extension to remain with Inter Miami, manager Javier Mascherano struck a cautious tone on Friday, choosing his words carefully ahead of the Herons’ matchup against D.C. United at Chase Stadium. “I’m certainly not the one who should make that announcement,” he said.