Lionel Messi scored twice on Saturday as Inter Miami beat DC United 4-0, in his first club match since he said farewell to the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old struck in the 47th and 60th minutes at Nu Stadium. His goals completed a comfortable night for the defending MLS champions, who recorded only their second win in 11 league matches.
Luis Suarez had already put Miami in control before half-time. The Uruguayan forward scored in the third minute, finishing with his left foot from inside the box. He then added a second goal in the 39th minute, with German Berterame providing the assist for both goals.
A smooth return after an emotional week
Messi returned to club duty four nights after his final match for Argentina. In that farewell game against Benin at the Monumental, he scored once and set up two more goals. Many players slow down after such an occasion. Instead, Messi looked sharp from the start of the second half.
His first goal came from a Suarez pass, and he finished with his left foot to make it 3-0. Then, 13 minutes later, he carried the ball past three defenders and scored again. That goal took his league tally for the season to 23 goals, alongside 13 assists.
As a result, Messi remains the leading scorer in the MLS Golden Boot race. He sits four goals clear of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa. He also leads the league in total goal contributions, which keeps him in a strong position in the Most Valuable Player race.
Suarez partnership still drives Miami
Suarez played a central part in the win. He scored twice, set up Messi for the third goal, and linked play throughout the match. Head coach Cristian Gonzalez praised the forward after the game and described him as a key figure in the squad, both for his output and for his commitment to the club.
The partnership matters for Miami’s run-in. When Suarez drops deeper, Messi finds space between the lines. When Messi draws defenders towards him, Suarez attacks the box. DC United could not solve that problem on Saturday, and the match was effectively settled before the hour mark.
What the win means for the table
The result lifted Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference. Their record now stands at 13 wins, five defeats and 10 draws, for a total of 49 points.
Miami still hope to defend their MLS Cup title. No team has won back-to-back titles since the Los Angeles Galaxy achieved the feat in 2011 and 2012. With six regular-season matches left for Messi to extend his scoring lead, according to league reporting, the closing weeks will test the squad’s fitness and depth.
For now, though, the message from Saturday is simple. Messi has closed the Argentina chapter of his career, but his club form has not dipped. If anything, he has returned to Miami with the same focus that marked his farewell week.
Frequently asked questions
When did Messi score against DC United?
Messi scored in the 47th and 60th minutes on Saturday. Inter Miami won the match 4-0 at Nu Stadium.
How many goals has Messi scored this MLS season?
Messi has scored 23 league goals this season and has also provided 13 assists, according to league figures published after the match.
Who else scored for Inter Miami?
Luis Suarez scored twice in the first half, in the third and 39th minutes. Both of his goals were assisted by German Berterame.
Was this Messi’s first match after leaving Argentina duty?
Yes. The DC United match was his first club appearance since his farewell match for Argentina against Benin, played four nights earlier.
