Four days after an emotional farewell with Argentina in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi was back under the lights in Miami, carrying the same sense of occasion into Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over DC United at NU Stadium. The Argentine scored twice, Luis Suárez matched him with a first-half brace, and the Florida side continued its pursuit at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Messi had started for Cristian González’s team despite a demanding international period. During the extended three-week FIFA window, he featured in every Inter Miami match and travelled to Argentina only for the landmark international against Benin on 6 October. In that match, described as his crowded farewell appearance for the national team, he scored once and supplied two assists.
His return to club duty extended a productive sequence: counting the Benin fixture, Messi has now scored in five consecutive games. His two goals against DC United also took his MLS total for the season to 23, further strengthening his position as the competition’s leading scorer.
Suárez and Messi turn the evening decisively
Inter Miami had already built the platform before the interval. Germán Berterame created both of Suárez’s goals, allowing the Uruguayan forward to put the home side firmly in control during the first half.
Messi then took over after the break. Soon after the restart, he arrived in the penalty area to convert a pass from Suárez. Around the hour mark came the night’s most memorable finish: Messi drove past three defenders, entered the box and sent a cross-shot beyond the goalkeeper, prompting a loud celebration around NU Stadium.
The two veteran South American forwards embraced with their teammates after the final goal, a familiar partnership once more setting the rhythm for Miami. The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference on 49 points, with Nashville still ahead after beginning the round on 60.
