(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)With Lionel Messi's long-term future at Inter Miami reportedly secure, the Herons will try to keep climbing up the Eastern Conference standings when they host D.C. United on Saturday night. Both ESPN and the Miami Herald reported this week that Miami and Messi have agreed to the terms of a multi-year contract extension that would see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner finish his career in South Florida. It would be fantastic news not only for the club but for MLS and soccer in the United States as a whole.' D.C. United (5-15-10, 25 points) is already eliminated from playoff contention but has yet to lose in four matches under new manager Rene Weiler (three draws, one win). 'Of course it will be a big challenge, and maybe a benchmark to see how far the players are now, to compare them with the players of Miami,' he said.