Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami made it back-to-back MLS wins with a narrow 3-2 victory over DC United.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took his league tally for the season to 22 goals, helping Javier Mascherano's side edge a five-goal thriller at Chase Stadium.

Messi also provided an assist for compatriot Tadeo Allende, with the latter latching onto his team-mate's sublime throughball to break the deadlock in the 35th minute.

However, Christian Benteke got DC back on level terms seven minutes in the second half, heading in from Brendan Servania's outswinging cross.

Nevertheless, Messi restored the hosts' lead midway through the period, receiving the ball on the turn from Jordi Alba before slotting home.

Miami squandered a great chance to make it 3-1 in the 72nd minute when Mateo Silvetti, who was brought down by goalkeeper Luis Barraza, rattled the crossbar from the penalty spot.

Yet, Messi curled in from the edge of the box in trademark fashion five minutes from time, with the hosts subsequently seeing out victory despite Jacob Murrell's neat finish in the 97th minute.

Data Debrief: Yet another multiple for Messi

This was Messi's 16th game with at least one goal and one assist, tying Carlos Vela for the second-most in a player's first three MLS seasons and trailing only Preki (17).

It was also the 10th match since the beginning of July - for club and country - in which he recorded multiple direct goal involvements, having done so on just four occasions between January and June this year.

As for Miami, they equalled their own record from last season of 20 matches won across all competitions in a single campaign when conceding at least one goal.