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Lionel Messi marked his first appearance since retiring from international football with a brace as Inter Miami thrashed DC United 4-0 in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
The 39-year-old scored twice in the second half to help Miami end a five-match winless run and climb to second place in the Eastern Conference with 49 points.
The victory came four days after Messi played his final match for Argentina, scoring a penalty in their 3-0 friendly win over Benin and bringing his 21-year international career to an emotional close.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez put Miami ahead in the third minute with a left-footed finish before doubling the lead in the 39th minute to give the hosts control at half-time.
Messi made it 3-0 two minutes into the second half, finishing a pass from Suárez in the 47th minute. He completed his brace in the 60th minute after beating defenders and firing home with his left foot.
The result revived Miami’s push to defend their MLS title and strengthened Messi’s bid for a third consecutive league Most Valuable Player award. He has scored 23 league goals this season and provided 13 assists.
Messi is expected to continue playing for Inter Miami despite ending his Argentina career, with his club contract running until at least 2028.
