Messi scores twice as Inter Miami thrashes DC United 4-0 and reaches 23 MLS goals

Lionel Messi keeps the party going. Only four days after his emotional send-off with the Argentina national team, the Inter Miami captain put on another show by scoring twice in a dominant 4-0 victory over DC United at NU Stadium. The brace took Messi to 23 goals in the current MLS campaign as he tightens his grip on the league's scoring chart. Luis Suárez, his longtime partner in attack, also bagged a double.

• Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win over DC United.
• The Argentine now has 23 goals and is pulling away as the MLS top scorer.
• Luis Suárez netted the two goals that set the game on course in the first half.
• Messi has scored in five consecutive matches for club and country.

Messi's brace seals the win over DC United

The Argentine star opened his personal account just after the start of the second half. Inside the box, he finished with precision from a Luis Suárez assist to put the match further out of reach for the visitors. The play underlined the intact chemistry between the two strikers, a partnership that proved devastating for DC United's back line once again.

The highlight of the night arrived on the hour mark. Messi produced a trademark slalom, weaving through three defenders before entering the box and beating the goalkeeper with a low cross-shot that sent NU Stadium into a frenzy. The celebration included a long embrace with Suárez, his partner in another memorable performance.

Luis Suárez paves the way with two first-half goals

Before Messi took over, Luis Suárez was responsible for breaking the game open. The Uruguayan scored Inter Miami's first two goals in the opening half, finishing off two assists from Germán Berterame to leave DC United on the ropes before halftime.

Suárez's double highlighted once again his decisive role in Cristian González's setup. With a comfortable lead established early, Inter Miami managed the tempo and found plenty of space after the break for Messi to round off a commanding display.

Messi returns after Argentina farewell

The meeting with DC United arrived in the middle of an emotional stretch for Messi. On October 6, the forward experienced his massive farewell with Argentina in Buenos Aires during a friendly against Benin, where he scored once and provided two assists. Far from showing any fatigue, the Argentine immediately returned to Inter Miami's rhythm.

In this FIFA window extended to three weeks, Messi managed to play in all of Inter Miami's matches and traveled to Argentina only for the historic game last Tuesday. With his double against DC United, the captain has now scored in five straight matches including the international fixture.

How the Eastern Conference standings look

The victory allowed Inter Miami to strengthen its hold on second place in the Eastern Conference with 49 points. Cristian González's side remains in pursuit of Nashville, which began the matchday at the top with 60 points. The rout over DC United keeps the pressure on as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Messi strengthens his lead in the MLS 2025 scoring race

With 23 goals so far in the competition, Messi is widening his advantage as the league's leading scorer. His brace against DC United not only boosts his case for the MLS Golden Boot but confirms his outstanding form just days after closing his chapter with Argentina.