Lionel Messi Scores for Inter Miami Days After Argentina Farewell

Lionel Messi scored twice following his international farewell, lifting Inter Miami to second place in MLS with a 4-0 win over DC United.

Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Defeats DC United

Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant performance for Inter Miami on Saturday night into Sunday, scoring two goals in a 4-0 home victory over DC United. The 39-year-old playmaker’s latest display comes just days after he said a grand farewell to the Argentina national team. Luis Suárez opened the scoring, putting Inter Miami 1-0 and 2-0 up in the first half.

Suárez then set up Messi’s first goal after the break, allowing the forward to tuck it into the right-hand corner from close range. Shortly after, Messi drove directly into the DC United penalty area before calmly finishing into the right-hand corner once again. Inter Miami’s fans loved the display as they watched their side climb to second place in the MLS standings.

This result provides a major boost for Inter Miami, who had endured a difficult run of five straight matches without a win in the MLS Eastern Conference. Despite the convincing win, the gap to league leaders Nashville SC remains 14 points.

International Farewell Capped With Goals and Assists

Messi’s club success followed a successful week on the international stage with Argentina. The 2022 world champion officially said farewell as an Argentina international during a fixture against Benin. During that match, Messi converted a penalty kick and also provided two assists to cap his international career.