Messi Scores Twice on Inter Miami Return After Argentina Retirement

Lionel Messi scored twice in his first match since retiring from international football, helping Inter Miami to an emphatic win over DC United in MLS.

Just four days after scoring in his final game for Argentina, the 39-year-old struck in the 47th and 60th minutes. It was only Miami's second win in 11 MLS matches.

Luis Suarez had already set the tone with a first-half double. The former Uruguay striker opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed strike that found the top corner. 

He added his second six minutes before half-time, for his 16th league goal of the season. Shortly after the break, Suarez set up Messi, who then evaded three defenders to score his second 13 minutes later.

Messi is now the top scorer in MLS this season with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.

He said goodbye to the national team last week after a record-breaking career. He scored 126 goals in 208 appearances, making him Argentina's all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He captained them to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.

His main focus is now on Miami, who want to become the first team to win back-to-back MLS titles since Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011-12. They are second in the Eastern Conference, 14 points behind leaders Nashville FC.