Inter Miami Clinches Victory with Late Campana Goal

Inter Miami emerged victorious in a thrilling Major League Soccer encounter against D.C. United, securing a 1-0 win with a late goal from Leonardo Campana. Despite the return of star player Lionel Messi to the starting lineup, Miami faced a tough challenge breaking through D.C.'s resilient defense. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Campana, a substitute, found the back of the net with a clinical finish off a precise pass from Sergio Busquets.

This triumph marked Miami's ninth win of the season, matching their total from the previous year in just 15 games. The match was not without its share of drama, as a lightning delay and heavy rain added to the intensity. Miami controlled possession in the first half, while D.C. focused on their defensive structure and sought opportunities on the counterattack.

Despite Messi's return from injury, he had a subdued performance with limited goal-scoring chances. D.C. grew stronger in the second half, with both teams missing key opportunities to score. Campana's goal extended Miami's unbeaten streak to nine games, showcasing their resilience despite a somewhat lackluster display.

In other MLS fixtures, New York City FC triumphed over the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC dominated Montreal with Federico Bernardeschi netting a hat-trick, and defending champions Columbus Crew secured a 3-1 win against the Chicago Fire. Real Salt Lake staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Colorado Rapids 5-3, while the Philadelphia Union overcame the New England Revolution with a 3-0 victory.

On the flip side, Portland faced their seventh defeat of the season under manager Phil Neville, falling 2-1 to Minnesota, managed by Eric Ramsay. The match concluded with South Korean Jeong Sang-bin scoring the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

The MLS action was filled with excitement and surprises, showcasing the competitive spirit of the teams. Inter Miami's hard-fought win against D.C. United highlighted their determination and ability to secure crucial victories. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and standout performances from the league's top talents.