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.

With the Herons breezing past expected contender Seattle on Tuesday, D.C. United – 14th in the Eastern Conference – were expected to be a softer test at home. Yet with a week’s rest, René Weiler’s side came out compact and organized, denying Miami the spaces they prefer.

Breaking down a stubborn United required creativity, and of course, it came from Messi. In the 35th minute, he spotted Tadeo Allende charging 35 yards ahead and delivered a pinpoint long ball. The 27-year-old finished with ease for a 1-0 lead. For Messi – whose legacy was built on tiki-taka’s short, intricate passing – it was atypical, but effective given United’s shape.

D.C. struck back early in the second half as Belgian striker Christian Benteke scored a diving header in the 52nd minute and marked it with a LeBron celebration. They continued to press, but Miami responded in the 66th minute.

Jordi Alba slipped Messi through on a classic combination, and the Argentine buried it past Luis Barraza. Miami nearly sealed it minutes later when a penalty was awarded, as Barraza dragged down substitute Mateo Silvetti. But the teenager – given the spot kick by Messi – struck the crossbar.

The Herons also escaped a scare when Baltasar Rodríguez was booked just outside the area, narrowly avoiding a penalty call. And in the final 10 minutes, Messi dazzled once more. He beat three defenders, missing his first shot, then getting the ball back from Sergio Busquets, for Miami’s third of the night. 

D.C. would get one more goal, from Jacob Murrell, but it came too late in the final minute of extra time. With the win, Javier Mascherano’s side remain fifth in the East, but with three games in hand on the Union, who sit eight points clear.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium.

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Oscar Ustari (5/10):

Terrible first-half. The veteran is lucky he didn't concede in the opening 45 minutes, especially in the 24th minute when he let a saved shot slip out of his hands. Was much better in the second half, but still conceded two goals. 

Noah Allen (6/10):

Average, but didn't help a shaky backline performance by Inter Miami. 

Maxi Falcon (5/10):

Usually Inter Miami's top defender, but Benteke got the best of him multiple times. 

Gonzalo Lujan (6/10):

Was better than his centerback partner, but got pulled once he got a yellow card. 

Marcelo Weigandt (5/10):

Offered some threat with his crosses, but remains a liability on defense and was pulled for the more defensive Ian Fray in the second half. 

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Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):

Solid, but not spectacular. Continues to look a lot more comfortable in a central midfield role as opposed to being miscast as a winger earlier in the season. 

Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Assisted on the third goal, even though the Argentine largely did most of the work on the attempt. Otherwise, largely a quiet night, despite being accurate with his passes as usual. 

Yannick Bright (6/10):

Oddly more adept at attack than his usual bread and butter of being a midfield destroyer.

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Jordi Alba (8/10):

While not as effective as he was in his first game playing winger for Miami on Tuesday, he still changed the dynamic of the game with his assist to Messi. It was backbreaking for D.C., who had the momentum before that moment.

Lionel Messi (9/10):

Two goals and an assist? Yep, man of the match. Messi still isn’t as clinical as he was earlier in the season, but he grew more comfortable after the break and showed off a mix of vintage touches and new tricks.

Tadeo Allende (8/10):

He is often Miami's unsung hero on a roster that features so many stars. And once again, he delivered in a key moment, putting the Herons ahead in the first half and giving the team confidence heading into the break. 

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Ian Fray (5/10):

Brought on for defense and then saw D.C. score a stoppage goal. Not his best night. 

Baltazar Rodriguez (4/10):

Careless with his tackle, and he almost cost Miami a goal. Considering this was a one-goal win, he was fortunate he wasn't called for a penalty. 

Mateo Silvetti (6/10):

The end product still needs improvement, but it's easy to see why fans in Miami and Argentina are intrigued by his potential. Will rue his missed penalty and a chance to get his first goal for the club. 

Telasco Segovia (5/10):

Largely quiet in his final club match before the U20 World Cup. 

Javier Mascherano (6/10):

Against a better team, Miami would have lost, but credit Mascherano for not tinkering with a formula that worked for him against the Sounders on Tuesday. Questions will be asked on why the home side wasn't more dominant against a cellar dweller, but three points are three points.