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Messi scores twice as Inter Miami thrash D.C. United 4-0
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez each scored twice as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 4-0 on Saturday, ending a five-match winless streak in MLS play. The victory moved Miami back to second place in the Eastern Conference and came four days after Messi concluded his 21-year international career with Argentina.
Quick Facts
- Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 4-0
- Luis Suárez scored twice (3rd and 39th minutes)
- Lionel Messi scored twice (47th and 60th minutes)
- Messi played his first MLS game after retiring from Argentina
- Inter Miami ended a five-match winless streak
Inter Miami dominated D.C. United 4-0 at Nu Stadium on Saturday in Lionel Messi's first MLS game following his international retirement. Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the third minute with a first-time finish from Germán Berterame's cross, then added a second goal in the 39th minute with a volley from inside the box. Messi took over in the second half, converting a close-range finish in the 47th minute after an assist from Suárez, then sealed the result with a mazy individual run and low shot in the 60th minute.
The commanding victory ended Inter Miami's five-match winless streak in MLS play and moved the club back to second place in the Eastern Conference standings. With 23 goals in league play this season, Messi extended his run of goal contributions to 10 consecutive MLS games and strengthened his position as favourite for a third consecutive MLS MVP award. The win also bolstered Miami's playoff hopes and home-field advantage prospects heading into the postseason next month.
Messi, 39, had concluded his 21-year international career with Argentina four days earlier on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin. That appearance marked his 208th and final game for his country, where he finished as the most-capped player and record goal scorer. Despite ending his international career, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has more than a year remaining on his Inter Miami contract through 2028.
D.C. United, who entered the match in 11th place and three points behind the playoff line, struggled to contain Miami's attacking prowess. Inter Miami coach Cristian "Kily" González emphasised Messi's leadership during the week, noting the player's daily commitment to demanding maximum effort from teammates. The performance demonstrated Miami's attacking depth, with both Suárez and Messi delivering clinical finishing to secure the club's strongest result in recent weeks.
Topics
Why This Matters
Inter Miami's comprehensive victory ends a five-match winless streak and returns the club to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, strengthening their playoff position ahead of postseason play next month. Messi's two-goal performance in his first league game after retiring from international football extends his streak of consecutive MLS games with goal contributions to 10 and maintains his status as favourite for a third consecutive MLS MVP award. The result also demonstrates attacking depth with both Messi and Suárez delivering clinical finishes, bolstering Miami's home-field advantage prospects for the playoffs.
Timeline & Sources
Mar 7, 2026
WireInter Miami defeated D.C. United 2-1 in earlier season match; Messi and Rodrigo De Paul scored
Sep 16, 2026
WireInter Miami won Campeones Cup under new coach Kily González
Oct 11, 2026
WireLionel Messi scores first goal for Inter Miami (47th minute), 3-0 lead
Oct 11, 2026
WireLionel Messi scores second goal for Inter Miami (60th minute), final score 4-0
Related Signals
Sources
- Lionel Messi returns from Argentina farewell as Inter Miami face DC UnitedAl JazeeraMediaOct 10, 2026
- Is Messi playing? Inter Miami’s starting lineup to face DC UnitedDiario ASMediaOct 10, 2026
- Messi scores twice for Miami in 1st game since Argentina farewellESPNMediaOct 11, 2026
- Lionel Messi Borong Dua Gol, Inter Miami Bantai D.C. United 4-0NETIZ.IDMediaOct 11, 2026
- Messi leads Inter Miami past D.C. UnitedxinhuaMediaOct 11, 2026