Lionel Messi scored twice in his first match since retiring from international football in an emphatic win for Inter Miami against DC United.
Just four days after scoring in his final match for Argentina, where he brought his glittering career with the national team to a close, the 39-year-old helped Miami win for only the second time in 11 MLS matches.
Following a first-half double from former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, Messi scored in the 47th and 60th minutes to complete the rout.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, waved goodbye to the national team last week after a record-breaking career.
He scored 126 goals in 208 appearances, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Messi’s main focus is now on the MLS, where he is hoping to help Miami become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011-12.
Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed strike in the area which found the top corner.
The 39-year-old doubled his tally six minutes before half-time for his 16th league goal of the season.
Suarez assisted Messi shortly after the break, before evading three defenders and doubling his tally 13 minutes later.
Messi is the top scorer in the MLS this season with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
Miami are second in the Eastern Conference, 14 points behind leaders Nashville FC.
BBC
