Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami return to winning ways against DC United

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat DC United 4-0 in the MLS, marking his first appearance for the club since saying farewell to Argentina.

The 39-year-old forward struck in the 47th and 60th minutes as Inter Miami produced one of their strongest performances of recent weeks to end a run of poor results.

Messi had also scored in his final international match for Argentina, against Benin, four days before facing DC United.

Inter Miami made a fast start when Luis Suarez opened the scoring after only three minutes. The Uruguay striker collected the ball inside the penalty area before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the top-left corner.

Suarez doubled the advantage in the 39th minute to take his season tally to 16 goals. He converted after receiving a pass from German Berterame, who had also provided the assist for the opening goal.

Messi added Inter Miami’s third shortly after half-time, sending a powerful left-footed finish into the net from Suarez’s pass.

He completed the scoring in the 60th minute, weaving past three defenders before finding the net for his second goal of the match and his fourth of the season.

The victory was particularly significant for Inter Miami, who had managed only one win in their previous six MLS matches. The result lifted them from third to second in the Eastern Conference, with 49 points from 13 wins, five defeats and 10 draws.

Inter Miami are attempting to retain the MLS title, while Messi is seeking to lead the club to become the first team to win the league in successive seasons since LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.

The Argentina forward is also continuing his pursuit of a third consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award. He has contributed to 36 goals during the current campaign, scoring 23 and providing 13 assists.

The top seven teams in each conference qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing eighth and ninth enter a play-off for a place in the knockout stage.

Inter Miami have already secured their position in the play-offs, which are scheduled to take place from 18 November to 18 December.