Lionel Messi draws a blank on his Inter Miami return but they scrape 1-0 win over DC United thanks to dramatic late winner

Lionel Messi was left off the scoresheet for the second game in a row, but Inter Miami extended their unbeaten run with a 1-0 win over DC United on Saturday evening.

Leo Campana scored four minutes into second-half stoppage time as Miami avoided a second consecutive scoreless draw.

Campana, who came into the match a minute earlier, received a pass from Sergio Busquets on the right flank and converted after a shot that hit the left post.

The win improved Eastern Conference-leading Miami to 9-2-4 with 31 points. DC United dropped to 4-5-5 and 17 points.

Miami has now won six times and drawn three times since losing 4-0 to New York Red Bulls on March 23.

Leo Campana scored four minutes into second-half stoppage time as Miami defeated DC United

Messi was tightly marked for most of the match and was unable to get on the scoresheet

Messi returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s match against Florida rivals Orlando due to knee pain.

The Argentina star striker had at least one goal and an assist in five consecutive games until a 3-2 win in Montreal on May 11. Messi started Saturday with a league-leading 12 assists.

Messi was tightly marked for most of the match and found a small opening in the 71st minute, but his shot from 22 yards sailed high above the crossbar.

Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender kept a clean sheet when he stopped a shot from United’s Jacob Murrell in the 86th minute.

The start of the game was delayed 25 minutes after thunderstorms hit Chase Stadium before the clubs warmed up. The rain became heavier again shortly after kick-off and disappeared in the 30th minute.

Messi had two free kicks blocked by a wall of United defenders in the 21st and 39th minutes.

Both clubs continue their league schedules next Saturday, when Inter Miami visits Vancouver and DC United hosts Chicago.