Substitute Luis Suárez came to the forefront, netting twice in the second half to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 triumph over D.C. United, despite the absence of star player Lionel Messi.

In Washington, Suárez's impactful performance as a substitute spurred Inter Miami to victory. Leonardo Campana also played a significant role, contributing a goal and an assist for the team, which had to navigate through another match without Messi.

Messi had opted for rest during their previous encounter, a 3-2 defeat to CF Montreal, before suffering a muscle injury in their 3-1 win over Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

D.C. United had their chances, but Miami seized control when Campana assisted Suárez for a close-range finish, giving their team a 2-1 advantage in the 72nd minute, shortly after Suárez's entrance into the match.

Suárez further solidified Miami's lead just 13 minutes later, capitalizing on a deflected ball that crossed the goal line despite the efforts of D.C. United goalkeeper Bono. This marked Suárez's fourth goal of the MLS season and his sixth across all competitions in the last five matches.

D.C. United had initially opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Stroud's precise strike, but Campana equalized for Miami ten minutes later, displaying resilience as he converted a left-footed shot from the center of the box, his second goal in as many MLS matches.