Lionel Messi once again took center stage for Inter Miami with a decisive performance. Four days after his farewell to the Argentine national team, the former world champion scored two goals in a 4-0 victory over DC United in Major League Soccer action. Luis Suárez rounded out the rout with a brace of his own.
During the first half, the home team alternated between periods of dominance and struggles to contain the opposition’s attacks. However, they managed to go into the break with a two-goal lead thanks to the clinical finishing of Suárez, who capitalized on two chances inside the box to make the difference.
The opening goal came after just two minutes. Messi started the play on the right flank, and the action continued with a cross from Sergio Reguilón from the opposite side. Germán Berterame flicked the ball on, and Suárez appeared at the far post to finish with his left foot and open the scoring.
In the 38th minute, the Uruguayan celebrated again following a combination play with Messi. The pair exchanged a series of quick passes that culminated in a shot by the Argentine, which was saved by the goalkeeper. Berterame pounced on the rebound and headed the ball to Suárez, who tapped it into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Messi scores twice in the second half to seal the rout
After the break, the Inter Miami captain needed just one minute to make his mark. Suárez won the ball inside the box, beat a defender with a flick over his head, and set up Messi; the Argentine appeared in a center-forward position and finished at the near post to score the match’s third goal.
The Rosario native’s second goal came 14 minutes into the second half and showcased his individual brilliance. After receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul—with Suárez letting the ball run past him—Messi advanced through the middle, beat two defenders with a feint, and found the space to finish with his left foot inside the near post.
The goal sparked celebrations among the fans at the stadium and effectively sealed the match. With a 4-0 lead, Inter Miami controlled the game, and Messi came close to completing a hat-trick. Four minutes from time, he attempted a placed shot from outside the box, but the ball went just wide of the right post.
The victory was particularly significant for Inter Miami, as it snapped a five-game winless streak in MLS. Additionally, Messi reached 23 goals for the season, maintaining his status as the league’s top scorer.
With his two goals against D.C. United, the Argentine reached a career total of 934 official goals, according to the figures recorded for this match.
