Messi nets brace to win in first match after Argentina exit

Miami's Lionel Messi scored twice to secure a 4-0 victory over DC United in his first match since bidding farewell to Argentina. The 39-year-old South American starlet struck in the 47th and 60th minutes, while Luis Suarez put Inter Miami ahead with a first-half brace in the 3rd and 39th minutes. Miami, the defending MLS champions, had not won in 11 league matches prior to the game.

Suarez scored again in the 39th minute for his 16th goal of the season, assisted by German Berterame. Messi added another goal in the 73rd minute, while he evaded three defenders to score a fourth goal 13 minutes later. Toronto's Lewis Morgan and American Djordje Mihailovic scored in second-half stoppage time to defeat Montreal 2-1.

However, Toronto's victory kept them one point away from securing an East playoff berth. Chicago Fire's Maren Haile-Selassie scored in the 87th minute to give the Fire a 2-1 win over New York City, despite Chicago having 10 men due to two yellow cards.