Lionel Messi made a spectacular return to club football after ending his international career, scoring twice as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over D.C. United in Major League Soccer.

Luis Suarez also scored a brace, helping Miami end a five-match winless run with an emphatic performance on Saturday. Suarez struck twice in the first half before Messi added two more goals after the break to seal the victory. 

Messi Shines After Argentina Farewell

Just four days after playing his farewell match for Argentina, Messi returned to Inter Miami and delivered a memorable performance, playing the full 90 minutes.

The Argentine superstar scored his first goal in the 47th minute, finishing from close range after a precise pass from Suarez.

He completed his brace in the 60th minute after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. Messi dribbled past two D.C. United defenders before producing a composed finish to make it 4-0.

The two goals took Messi's tally to 23 in the current MLS season, keeping him at the top of the league's scoring chart.

Suarez Sets the Tone With Two First-Half Goals

Inter Miami made an immediate impact, taking the lead in the third minute through Suarez. The Uruguayan forward finished with his left foot after Germán Berterame helped direct the ball into his path.

Suarez struck again in the 39th minute to double Miami's advantage. After Messi's close-range effort was saved, Berterame helped keep the move alive before Suarez finished from inside the penalty area.

The partnership between Messi and Suarez continued to trouble the visitors throughout the match, with the Argentine also benefiting from his former Barcelona teammate's precise delivery for his opening goal.

Miami End Five-Match Winless Run

The victory was particularly important for Inter Miami, who had gone five MLS matches without a win, drawing four and losing one. Their previous victory had come on August 29, when they defeated CF Montreal 7-1.

The result also marked the first MLS win for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took charge on September 16.

Miami moved to 49 points and second place in the Eastern Conference, while Nashville remained top with 60 points. With Messi and Suarez both back among the goals, Inter Miami will hope to carry this momentum into the closing stages of the season.