Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami secured a 4-0 victory over DC United in their Major League Soccer (MLS) encounter on Saturday. The match marked Messi’s return to club action following his emotional farewell to international football with Argentina earlier in the week.

Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the third minute. The goal originated from a cross by former Tottenham fullback Sergio Reguilon, which was flicked on by German Berterame at the near post before Suarez found the net unmarked from close range. Suarez then doubled the lead six minutes before halftime, combining once again with Berterame after a well-saved shot from Messi, with Berterame nodding the ball back for Suarez to finish.

Messi made his mark early in the second half, scoring just two minutes after the break. DC United failed to clear their lines following a lofted ball from Suarez, leaving Messi with an uncomplicated tap-in inside the six-yard box. His second goal was more spectacular, as the former Barcelona star embarked on a 30-yard dribble, evading three defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Inter Miami’s victory lifts them to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, though they remain 11 points behind leaders Nashville SC. The result underscored the immediate impact Messi continues to have on the American soccer scene following his retirement from international duties.