(MENAFN) Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba propelled Inter Miami to a commanding 3-1 home win against the Seattle Sounders in Tuesday’s MLS clash.

The scoring began when Alba expertly controlled a pass from Messi before firing a precise shot past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

The electric connection between the former Barcelona stars shone once more just before halftime, as Alba returned the favor with a flawless pass that Messi calmly slotted into the far post.

Shortly after the break, Ian Fray extended Miami’s lead to 3-0 with a powerful header from a Rodrigo De Paul corner.

Seattle managed to reduce the deficit in the 69th minute, as Mexico midfielder Obed Vargas bundled the ball home from close range following a cross from Jordan Morris.

Inter Miami now sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Philadelphia by eight points but holding three games in hand. Meanwhile, Seattle remains fourth in the Western Conference.

“We have found ourselves in a position of having played fewer games and now we need to keep winning to be in the positions that we are aiming for,” Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano said at the post-match news conference.

“Today we won one and we have seven more games. They will all be finals and our goal is to win all seven to finish first in our conference,” he added.

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