Washington, Sept. 17 -- Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba scored first-half goals as Inter Miami cruised to a 3-1 home MLS win over Seattle Sounders.

Alba opened the scoring by taking a touch to control Messi's pass before rifling a shot past goalkeeper Stefan Frei on Tuesday.

The chemistry between the former Barcelona teammates was again on display just before halftimeas Alba returned Messi's earlier favor with a perfectly weighted pass that the Argentine slid homeat the far post.

Ian Fray made it 3-0 just after the break with a bullet header after Rodrigo De Paul's corner.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 69th minute through Mexico international midfielder Obed Vargas, who bundled in from the edge of the six-yard box after Jordan Morr...