Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Thrash DC United 4-0

Lionel Messi returned to club football with a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of football’s biggest attractions. Just four days after playing his farewell match for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored twice to help Inter Miami defeat DC United 4-0 in Major League Soccer on Saturday, October 10.

Playing at Nu Stadium in Miami, Messi struck in the 47th and 60th minutes, while former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez scored twice in the first half. The convincing win ended Inter Miami’s five-match winless run and gave new head coach Javier “Kily” González his first league victory since taking charge.

Messi’s brace also took his MLS tally to 23 goals for the season, strengthening his position at the top of the league’s scoring charts. His overall career goal tally reached 934, according to ESPN, keeping the Argentine superstar firmly in the conversation surrounding football’s race towards the 1,000-goal milestone.

Luis Suárez Sets the Tone With First-Half Brace

Inter Miami wasted little time taking control of the match. Suárez opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing a move that began with Sergio Reguilón’s cross from the left. Germán Berterame redirected the delivery with a header, allowing the Uruguayan striker to fire a left-footed finish into the net.

The early goal gave Miami the confidence it needed after a frustrating run of results. Although DC United looked for a response, the hosts continued to threaten in the attacking third and created further opportunities.

Suárez struck again in the 39th minute to double Miami’s lead. Once more, Berterame played a key role, providing the headed assist that allowed the former Liverpool and Barcelona forward to finish from inside the penalty area.

The two goals gave Inter Miami a comfortable advantage at half-time and put the team in an excellent position to secure a much-needed victory. Suárez’s contribution also showed how effectively Miami’s attacking players could combine when given space around the penalty area.

Messi Scores Immediately After the Break

Messi needed just two minutes after the restart to make his mark. In the 47th minute, Suárez delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, where Messi met the ball with a first-time left-footed finish to make it 3-0.

The goal was a reminder of the understanding the two former Barcelona teammates still share. Suárez recognised the space, delivered the ball at the right moment, and Messi did the rest with the kind of sharp finishing that has defined his career.

With Miami already leading by three goals, the Argentine captain was not finished. In the 60th minute, Rodrigo De Paul found Messi in an attacking position. Messi drove into the box, worked his way past two defenders and calmly sent a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner.

It was a goal that showcased a different side of his attacking game. His first strike came from a well-timed movement inside the box; the second was built on close control, quick footwork and the ability to create space where little seemed available.

The brace took Messi to 23 MLS goals in the 2026 regular season, extending his lead in the Golden Boot race. It also helped complete a 4-0 result that Miami had been searching for after several weeks without a league victory.

A Strong Return After Messi’s Argentina Farewell

The match carried additional significance because it was Messi’s first appearance for Inter Miami after his farewell match with Argentina’s national team. Four days earlier, he had featured in Argentina’s victory over Benin, bringing an emotional chapter of his international career to a close after 21 years.

Returning to club duties so quickly could have been demanding, but Messi played the full 90 minutes against DC United and delivered two goals. His performance allowed him to turn the attention back to Inter Miami and the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the MLS season.

For supporters, the timing made the performance even more memorable. Messi had just said goodbye to the national team journey that brought him the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, yet he was back on the pitch making a decisive impact for his club.

The goals also underlined how important he remains to Miami’s attacking plans. Even as he moves through the later stages of his career, his vision, movement and ability to produce decisive moments continue to make a difference.

Inter Miami End Their Five-Game Winless Run

The 4-0 victory was about more than Messi’s personal milestones. Inter Miami had gone five league matches without a win, recording four draws and one defeat during that stretch. Their last league victory came against CF Montréal on August 29.

The result offered a welcome reset for the team and a positive step for new coach Kily González, who took over on September 16. Miami looked sharper in attack, took its chances and kept DC United from finding a way back into the contest.

The home side also recorded a clean sheet, with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair making important saves when DC United threatened. Although the visitors created opportunities of their own, Miami’s four goals ensured the result was never seriously in doubt after the second-half breakthrough.

The win moved Inter Miami to 49 points from 28 matches, keeping the club in the Eastern Conference playoff picture as the regular season approached its decisive stage. With Messi and Suárez both scoring twice, Miami will hope this performance marks the beginning of a stronger run of results.

Messi’s Goal Chase Continues

Messi’s latest brace added another milestone to an already remarkable career. With 934 career goals reported by ESPN and 23 MLS goals this season, he continues to add to his record while helping Inter Miami pursue its objectives in the United States.

The wider comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo remains a major talking point among football fans. Ronaldo had reached 980 career goals, according to the same ESPN report, leaving both superstars within sight of the much-discussed 1,000-goal mark. Their totals reflect different stages of their careers, but each new goal keeps the debate alive.

For Messi, though, the immediate focus will be on maintaining Miami’s momentum. The win over DC United ended a frustrating spell without a victory and showed what the team can produce when its leading attackers are firing together.

His two goals were the headline, but Suárez’s brace, Berterame’s assists and the team’s clean sheet all contributed to a complete performance. Inter Miami now have a result to build on and Messi has another memorable night to add to his extraordinary career.