Miami, October 12: Lionel Messi scored twice in his first club appearance since retiring from Argentina duty, leading Inter Miami to a commanding 4-0 victory over D.C. United at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
The 39-year-old found the net in the 47th and 60th minutes of the "Walmart Saturday Showdown," playing the full 90 minutes. Luis Suárez also scored a brace, in the 3rd and 39th minutes, as Miami snapped a five-match winless streak and climbed to second in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Golden Boot race heats up
Messi's double took his season tally to 23 goals and 13 assists, moving him four clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Argentine is seeking a second straight Golden Boot and could become the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award three times in a row.
Suárez's strikes took him to 15 goals and 9 assists for the season, per official MLS figures — his third consecutive year reaching double-digit goals with more than 20 goal contributions. He was substituted in the 61st minute.
The win was Inter Miami's first league victory under new coach Cristian "Kily" González, who took charge on September 16. Miami now sit at 13-5-10 with 49 points, one ahead of Chicago Fire, while D.C. United remain on 30 points at 6-9-12.
Miami return to action on Wednesday night when they host New York City FC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Sources:
- The National: Lionel Messi scores twice for Inter Miami in first game since Argentina farewell
- mlssoccer.com: Lionel Messi delivers masterclass following Argentina retirement
- NDTV Sports: Messi scores two spectacular goals, first time since international retirement
The 39-year-old found the net in the 47th and 60th minutes of the "Walmart Saturday Showdown," playing the full 90 minutes. Luis Suárez also scored a brace, in the 3rd and 39th minutes, as Miami snapped a five-match winless streak and climbed to second in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Golden Boot race heats up
Messi's double took his season tally to 23 goals and 13 assists, moving him four clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Argentine is seeking a second straight Golden Boot and could become the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award three times in a row.
Suárez's strikes took him to 15 goals and 9 assists for the season, per official MLS figures — his third consecutive year reaching double-digit goals with more than 20 goal contributions. He was substituted in the 61st minute.
The win was Inter Miami's first league victory under new coach Cristian "Kily" González, who took charge on September 16. Miami now sit at 13-5-10 with 49 points, one ahead of Chicago Fire, while D.C. United remain on 30 points at 6-9-12.
Miami return to action on Wednesday night when they host New York City FC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Sources:
- The National: Lionel Messi scores twice for Inter Miami in first game since Argentina farewell
- mlssoccer.com: Lionel Messi delivers masterclass following Argentina retirement
- NDTV Sports: Messi scores two spectacular goals, first time since international retirement
