Just four days after closing the curtain on his historic, trophy-laden international career with Argentina, Lionel Messi returned to club action without missing a beat. The 39-year-old superstar delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice as Inter Miami smashed D.C. United 4-0 at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
The emphatic victory snapped a five-match winless slide for Miami, marking the first Major League Soccer (MLS) league victory for newly appointed head coach Cristian "Kily" González. With former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez also bagging a first-half brace, the iconic attacking duo produced a vintage display that propelled Inter Miami back into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
Below, we break down all the action, analyze the player ratings, evaluate Messi's record-breaking campaign for a third consecutive MLS MVP award, and explore reports linking the legend to a potential historic appearance in the Copa Libertadores.
Off a sharp buildup orchestrated by mid-season signing Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez received the ball near the center of the penalty box, shifted onto his left foot, and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner.
D.C. United struggled to build rhythm against Miami's newly structured midfield featuring Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro. In the 39th minute, Berterame unlocked D.C. United's defensive line once again, finding Suárez inside the box for his second goal of the night—and his 16th league goal of the season.
While Suárez provided the early spark, the second half belonged entirely to Lionel Messi, who played all 90 minutes fresh off his emotional goodbye to La Albiceleste.
Just two minutes after the restart, Suárez returned the favor to his longtime teammate. Pouncing on loose space inside the 6-yard box, the Uruguayan forward centered a crisp pass toward the far post, where Messi tapped it in past D.C. United keeper Sean Johnson to extend the lead to 3-0.
Thirteen minutes later, Messi produced a hallmark moment of brilliance. Collecting a slick pass from Argentine compatriot Rodrigo De Paul, Messi drove into the 18-yard area. Facing three converging defenders, he executed a rapid cutback that left the D.C. United backline stranded before curling a low finish from 12 yards into the bottom corner.
Speaking in his post-game press conference, Inter Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" González reflected on managing Messi following his international retirement and addressed rumors regarding a prospective Copa Libertadores appearance.
When asked about CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez teasing the possibility of Messi playing in South America's premier club competition, González did not downplay the idea:
"It doesn't surprise me... my understanding is that we've been exploring this possibility for a few years now. Obviously, we'd love it because it would be amazing; plus, it's one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too."
González also singled out Luis Suárez for his vital role in Miami's tactical system:
"Luis is one of the most important players in my squad. Beyond the goals, he is a player who gives his all constantly and brings so much to the team. I decided to substitute him so he'd be in even better physical condition for Wednesday."
With the 4-0 win, Inter Miami now sits at 49 points (13W-5L-10D), solidifying second place in the Eastern Conference and staying on track to secure home-field advantage for the upcoming playoffs.
As Inter Miami aims to become the first team since the Los Angeles Galaxy (2011–2012) to repeat as MLS Cup champions, Messi’s laser-focused form suggests the legendary forward is as hungry as ever.
Lionel Messi scored two goals (47' and 60') in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over D.C. United.
Yes. Messi played his farewell match for Argentina earlier in the week, bringing an end to his national team career where he finished as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals in 208 caps.
Messi leads the MLS with 23 goals and 13 assists in 20 matches played this season.
Sunday, 11 October 2026
Publish Date : 11 October 2026
Just four days after closing the curtain on his historic, trophy-laden international career with Argentina, Lionel Messi returned to club action without missing a beat. The 39-year-old superstar delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice as Inter Miami smashed D.C. United 4-0 at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
The emphatic victory snapped a five-match winless slide for Miami, marking the first Major League Soccer (MLS) league victory for newly appointed head coach Cristian "Kily" González. With former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez also bagging a first-half brace, the iconic attacking duo produced a vintage display that propelled Inter Miami back into second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
Below, we break down all the action, analyze the player ratings, evaluate Messi's record-breaking campaign for a third consecutive MLS MVP award, and explore reports linking the legend to a potential historic appearance in the Copa Libertadores.
Off a sharp buildup orchestrated by mid-season signing Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez received the ball near the center of the penalty box, shifted onto his left foot, and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner.
D.C. United struggled to build rhythm against Miami's newly structured midfield featuring Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro. In the 39th minute, Berterame unlocked D.C. United's defensive line once again, finding Suárez inside the box for his second goal of the night—and his 16th league goal of the season.
While Suárez provided the early spark, the second half belonged entirely to Lionel Messi, who played all 90 minutes fresh off his emotional goodbye to La Albiceleste.
Just two minutes after the restart, Suárez returned the favor to his longtime teammate. Pouncing on loose space inside the 6-yard box, the Uruguayan forward centered a crisp pass toward the far post, where Messi tapped it in past D.C. United keeper Sean Johnson to extend the lead to 3-0.
Thirteen minutes later, Messi produced a hallmark moment of brilliance. Collecting a slick pass from Argentine compatriot Rodrigo De Paul, Messi drove into the 18-yard area. Facing three converging defenders, he executed a rapid cutback that left the D.C. United backline stranded before curling a low finish from 12 yards into the bottom corner.
Speaking in his post-game press conference, Inter Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" González reflected on managing Messi following his international retirement and addressed rumors regarding a prospective Copa Libertadores appearance.
When asked about CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez teasing the possibility of Messi playing in South America's premier club competition, González did not downplay the idea:
"It doesn't surprise me... my understanding is that we've been exploring this possibility for a few years now. Obviously, we'd love it because it would be amazing; plus, it's one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too."
González also singled out Luis Suárez for his vital role in Miami's tactical system:
"Luis is one of the most important players in my squad. Beyond the goals, he is a player who gives his all constantly and brings so much to the team. I decided to substitute him so he'd be in even better physical condition for Wednesday."
With the 4-0 win, Inter Miami now sits at 49 points (13W-5L-10D), solidifying second place in the Eastern Conference and staying on track to secure home-field advantage for the upcoming playoffs.
As Inter Miami aims to become the first team since the Los Angeles Galaxy (2011–2012) to repeat as MLS Cup champions, Messi’s laser-focused form suggests the legendary forward is as hungry as ever.
Lionel Messi scored two goals (47' and 60') in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over D.C. United.
Yes. Messi played his farewell match for Argentina earlier in the week, bringing an end to his national team career where he finished as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals in 208 caps.
Messi leads the MLS with 23 goals and 13 assists in 20 matches played this season.
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