Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated DC United 4-0 on Saturday, securing a convincing victory in his first club appearance since bidding farewell to Argentina’s national team.
The 39-year-old forward scored in the 47th and 60th minutes, helping the defending Major League Soccer champions claim only their second league victory in 11 matches. Messi had played his final international match four nights earlier, scoring in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin.
Meanwhile, Luis Suarez also scored twice in the first half, giving Miami a commanding advantage before the break. The result lifted the team from third to second in the Eastern Conference standings, with 49 points from 28 matches.
Suarez And Messi Lead Miami To Victory
Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed shot into the top-left corner. He doubled the lead in the 39th minute, finishing from close range after German Berterame helped create the opportunity.
Messi extended Miami’s advantage shortly after halftime, converting a pass from Suarez in the 47th minute. Thirteen minutes later, he collected Rodrigo De Paul’s pass, evaded defenders and fired home his second goal of the evening.
The Argentine star now leads the league’s scoring charts with 23 goals and has contributed 13 assists. He is also seeking a third consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Miami Targets Consecutive MLS Championships
Inter Miami are aiming to become the first team since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 to win consecutive MLS championships. Saturday’s victory provided a boost after a difficult run of league results.
Elsewhere, Toronto rallied late to defeat Montreal 2-1, with Lewis Morgan and Djordje Mihailovic scoring in stoppage time. The victory ended Toronto’s three-match losing streak and moved the club within one point of an Eastern Conference playoff position.
In another fixture, Chicago Fire defeated New York City 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half. Maren Haile-Selassie scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
