Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup as Inter Miami struck late to beat D.C. United 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Leonardo Campana on a rainy night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday.
Messi, who missed the draw at Orlando City in midweek due to a knee injury suffered against Montreal a week ago, played the full 90 minutes in a game that was delayed close to 30 minutes due to the inclement weather at Chase Stadium.
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When the game did get underway, Messi and Miami struggled to find their attacking rhythm against a dogged and organized D.C. side.
It looked as if Miami was set to be held to a second straight scoreless draw. But Campana, just moments after replacing Matías Rojas, struck an unstoppable effort off the underside of the crossbar following a delightful assist from Sergio Busquets in the fourth minute of added time.
Campana was only able to be brought into the game after a D.C. United’s Martin Rodriguez suffered a potential concussion, forcing a substitution and giving Miami an extra change to make.
The victory keeps Miami a point above FC Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings.
“Offensively, we weren’t good,” Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Matino…
