Messi Nets Brace to Win in First Match After Argentina Exit
- Four days after scoring his final Argentina goal on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi scored twice Saturday as Inter Miami routed D.C. United 4-0 at home, extending his league-leading season tally to 23 goals.
- Messi's international retirement followed a farewell friendly victory over Benin where he scored his 126th and final goal, ending a 21-year tenure with Argentina, while Inter Miami had endured four draws and one loss before Saturday's dominant performance.
- Luis Suarez, Inter Miami forward, opened the scoring three minutes in and added a second in the 39th minute, with Messi netting in the 47th minute from close range and again in the 60th from 12 yards; German Berterame contributed two assists.
- The victory elevated Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference and strengthened playoff seeding hopes, marking the first league win for new coach Cristian Kily Gonzalez since taking over September 16.
- With 23 league-leading goals and 13 assists in 2026, Messi has registered a goal contribution in 10 consecutive MLS games for the first time, positioning him as a prohibitive favorite for a third straight MLS MVP award ahead of Wednesday's match against New York City FC.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Inter Miami vs DC United player ratings — Messi nets brace in first match since Argentina retirement
The win was Miami’s first since a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal on August 29. It was also the first league win for new coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took over September 16.
Messi nets brace to win in first match after Argentina exit
Four nights after scoring in his final match for the Albiceleste in a victory over Benin, the 39-year-old South American superstar struck in the 47th and 60th minutes as defending MLS champion Miami won for only the second time in their past 11 league matches. A first-half brace by Luis Suarez staked the Herons to the lead as they improved to 13-5 with 10 drawn for 49 points, jumping from third to second in the Eastern Conference Messi hopes to …
MLS: Inter Miami's Lionel Messi nets twice against DC United in first match since Argentina farewell
Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half as Inter Miami thrashed DC United 4-0 in MLS, marking his return to club football after bidding farewell to Argentina with a goal and two assists against Benin earlier this week.
With 23 goals, Ballon d'or is the league's best director, and the second best player.
The Toronto Star
Messi scores twice in first game since Argentina retirement, Inter Miami beats DC United 4-0
MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi scored two goals to give him a league-leading 23 this season, and Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0 on Saturday night.
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