Baltimore (US) | Lionel Messi scored in the 27th minute, and Inter Miami held on for a 2-1 victory over DC United in front of 72,026 at the home of the Baltimore Ravens.

With interest in Messi obviously high, the game was held in downtown Baltimore instead of at DC United's smaller venue in Washington on Saturday.

Messi gave many fans what they came to see when he put Inter Miami (2-1-0) ahead 2-0 lead in the first half.

Rodrigo De Paul also scored for the defending MLS Cup champions. Tai Baribo pulled United (1-2-0) within one in the 75th minute, but DC was unable to equalise.

It was an eventful week for Messi and his team, which visited the White House on Thursday. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from the goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net.

Messi then scored his third goal of the young MLS season, slipping behind the DC defence to receive Mateo Silvetti's pass, then flicking the ball with one touch past goalie Sean Johnson.

Inter Miami has won two straight since dropping its league opener 3-0 to Los Angeles FC.

DC United broke through in the second half. Jackson Hopkins' shot forced a save, and Baribo put away the rebound.