Messi Turns On The Magic After Argentina Farewell, Leads Inter Miami To Dominant 4-0 Victory

Lionel Messi marked his first appearance since bidding farewell to Argentina's national team with a spectacular performance, scoring twice as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 4-0 in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

The Argentine superstar played the entire 90 minutes, adding to his league-leading tally with two goals to take his season's total to 23. His performance helped Miami snap a five-match winless streak and secure their first league victory since a 7-1 demolition of CF Montreal on August 29.

The victory also gave new coach Cristian “Kily” González his first league win since taking charge on September 16.

Inter Miami made an explosive start, with Luis Suárez opening the scoring just three minutes into the match. The Uruguayan striker collected a header from Germán Berterame before beating D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson with a shot inside the left post.

Suárez doubled Miami's advantage in the 39th minute, completing his brace after Johnson parried a close-range effort from Messi. Berterame collected the rebound and headed the ball towards Suárez, who finished from inside the six-yard box to put the hosts firmly in control before half-time.

Messi took centre stage after the break. In the 47th minute, he tapped the ball inside the right post after Suárez delivered a pass into the six-yard box, making it 3-0.

The 39-year-old then produced another moment of individual brilliance in the 60th minute. Receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi dribbled into the penalty area, evaded two defenders and fired past Johnson from 12 yards to complete his brace.

The performance came just four days after Messi played his farewell match for Argentina, bringing an end to his 21-year tenure with the national team. His return to club football demonstrated that he remains a formidable attacking force.

While Miami celebrated a much-needed victory, D.C. United extended its winless run to five matches. For Inter Miami, the emphatic result offered renewed momentum as Messi continued his pursuit of individual and team success in MLS.