Messi Scores Brace as Inter Miami Dominates DC United 4-0
Lionel Messi netted two goals, bringing his league tally to 23, as Inter Miami secured a decisive 4-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday.
The Cliff News | 11 October 2026
Lionel Messi scored twice, boosting his season total to a league-leading 23 goals, to propel Inter Miami to a resounding 4-0 win against D.C. United in a Major League Soccer regular season match. The victory ended a challenging five-match winless streak for Miami, who had accumulated four draws and one loss prior to Saturday's impressive performance.
The team's offensive surge was further bolstered by a brace from Luis Suárez and two assists from Germán Berterame. This crucial win marks Miami's first league victory since their dominant 7-1 triumph over CF Montreal on August 29th and serves as the first league win for new coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took the helm on September 16th.
Messi and Suárez Lead the Attack
Messi's first goal of the match came in the 47th minute, extending Inter Miami's lead after Luis Suárez had already found the net twice in the first half. Suárez opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, receiving a header from Berterame and finishing clinically past goalkeeper Sean Johnson. He then doubled the lead in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from a Messi shot that Johnson initially saved, with Berterame providing the assist again.
Following the halftime break, Messi added to the scoreline. His first individual goal saw him retrieve a pass near the six-yard box and tap it inside the right post. The Argentine superstar then completed his brace in the 60th minute, receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, skillfully navigating inside the penalty area, evading two defenders, and striking from 12 yards out to beat Johnson.
Inter Miami Snaps Winless Streak
The win was particularly significant for Inter Miami, not only ending their extended winless run but also providing a morale boost after Messi's recent farewell match for the Argentine national team, concluding a 21-year tenure. Messi played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's contest, showcasing his continued impact on the field just days after his international swansong.
In contrast, D.C. United finds themselves in a difficult spell, currently winless in their last five matches. The team struggled to contain Inter Miami's potent attack throughout the game.