Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami thrashed DC United 4-0 in Major League Soccer (MLS), marking his return to club football four days after scoring in his final appearance for Argentina.
The 39-year-old forward struck in the 47th and 60th minutes after former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez scored twice in the first half to put Miami in control.
The victory gave Inter Miami only their second win in 11 MLS matches and strengthened their push to retain the league title.
Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar, recently brought his international career to an end after scoring 126 goals in 208 appearances. He retires as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner before doubling his tally six minutes before half-time for his 16th league goal of the season.
ALSO READ: ‘Thank you for everything’, Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina
The former Barcelona striker then turned provider after the break, setting up Messi to score his first goal of the night in the 47th minute.
Messi completed his brace 13 minutes later after evading three DC United defenders, sealing a commanding victory for the hosts.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the leading scorer in the MLS this season with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference, 14 points behind leaders Nashville FC, as they continue their bid to become the first team to win consecutive MLS titles since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.
