Lionel Messi scores twice for Inter Miami in first game since Argentina farewell

Inter Miami secured a 4-0 victory over DC United in their first game since Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina, marking an end to a five-game losing streak. The Argentine superstar, who returned to club action after the emotional final match for his country, scored twice in the match. Luis Suarez also netted two goals and provided an assist, contributing to Inter Miami's impressive 13-5-10 record, currently placing them in second position in the Eastern Conference with 49 points, one ahead of the Chicago Fire.

The match saw German Berterame and Sergio Reguilon also contributing with two assists each, while Rodrigo De Paul scored one goal. Inter Miami's coach, Kily Gonzalez, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We had to win again, and we did it convincingly." DC United, on the other hand, suffered a setback, falling further out of the playoff picture, currently sitting six points behind FC Cincinnati for the conference's remaining post-season play-in spot.

Messi, who scored his 14th and 15th goals for Inter Miami in this match, was substituted off in the 61st minute after Suarez was replaced. Inter Miami increased their team goals total to 68 and recorded their fifth clean sheet overall, their first in 10 matches. Despite DC United's 14 total shots, only two were on target, including a close attempt by Matti Peltola that sailed just over the crossbar in the second half.