Messi scores twice for Miami in 1st game since Argentina farewell
Four days after an emotional end to his international career with Argentina, Lionel Messi continued to shine for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a 4-0 home thumping of D.C. United.
Messi’s double Saturday took his league-leading goals tally to 23 for the season to further cement his case as a prohibitive favorite to win a third straight MLS MVP award.
After Luis Suárez scored twice in the first half, Messi got his first of the night at Nu Stadium with a simple close-range finish in the 47th minute following an assist from the veteran Uruguayan forward.
Messi’s second was a trademark individual effort, bewitching D.C. defenders with his quick feet and a devilish cutback before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
The victory put Miami back up to second place in the Eastern Conference and strengthened its hopes of claiming a top-four seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs, which begin next month.
Messi, 39, continues to be the dominant figure as Miami looks to repeat as MLS Cup champion.
As well as having a four-goal cushion in the race for the Golden Boot, Messi has contributed 13 assists in 2026.
He has registered a goal contribution in 10 consecutive MLS games for the first time.
Messi brought the curtain down on his Argentina career Tuesday in Buenos Aires, scoring his 126th and final goal for his country in a friendly win over Benin. He has a contract with Miami through 2028.
“He’ll be missed in that jersey, of course, but today we have him here, and we have to enjoy having him with us now,” Miami’s Argentine coach Cristian “Kily” González said this week.
Messi was jokingly teased by CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez during his farewell game with Argentina this past week in regards to the former Barcelona man perhaps featuring in the Copa Libertadores before he retires from club football.
Gonzalez didn’t play down the idea of Messi featuring in the prestigious competition.
“It doesn’t surprise me, because I already knew about [Dominguez mentioning it to Messi]. Besides, my understanding is that we’ve been exploring this possibility for a few years now.
“Obviously, we’d love it because it would be amazing; plus, as you said, it’s one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too. We’ll see, the decision-making process is a bit of a formality at this point but we’re ready for anything, and he certainly is.
“I see him every day, and the level he demands is incredible; he pushes us to give our all.
“He even gets angry when a play doesn’t come off right. He demands so much of us that none of us can afford to slack off. It constantly challenges us to improve, as a club, as a staff, as a coaching team, and as colleagues.”
Miami’s coach also singled Suárez out for praise, emphasizing the importance of the Uruguayan to the team.
“Luis is one of the most important players in my squad. He is fully committed, not just to us, but to the club.
“He understands, and has always understood, that he is a fundamental player for this team. He needs to be in top shape and take a leading role; obviously, that involves scoring goals, but beyond the goals, he is a player who gives his all constantly, and brings so much to the team.
“I decided to substitute him so he’d be in even better physical condition for Wednesday, given the heavy workload, but I’m delighted with the performance he and all his teammates delivered today.”