Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat DC United 4-0
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Lionel Messi marked his return to club football with two goals as Inter Miami defeated DC United 4-0 in Major League Soccer on Saturday. The Argentine superstar delivered an impressive performance in his first appearance since bidding farewell to the Argentina national team.
Messi, 39, scored in the 47th and 60th minutes to help the defending MLS champions secure only their second league victory in their last 11 matches. His goals came four days after he scored in Argentina’s victory over Benin in what was reported as his final appearance for the national side.
Inter Miami had already taken control of the match before Messi added his name to the scoresheet. Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez scored twice in the first half, putting the home side in a commanding position.
Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed finish from inside the penalty area. He doubled Miami’s advantage in the 39th minute, registering his 16th goal of the campaign. German forward Berterame provided the assist for both of Suarez’s goals.
Messi extended the lead shortly after the break, finishing a pass from Suarez in the 47th minute. He then produced another impressive effort in the 60th minute, weaving past three defenders before finding the net to complete the 4-0 victory.
The result lifted Inter Miami from third to second place in the Eastern Conference, taking their tally to 49 points from 28 matches, with a record of 13 wins, five defeats and 10 draws.
Miami are aiming to become the first team since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 to win consecutive MLS Cup titles. Messi is also pursuing a third successive MLS Most Valuable Player award after continuing to produce goals and assists at an impressive rate.
Elsewhere in MLS, Toronto FC staged a late comeback to defeat Montreal 2-1 in a Canadian derby. Daniel Rios gave Montreal the lead in the 52nd minute, but Scottish forward Lewis Morgan equalised in the third minute of stoppage time. American midfielder Djordje Mihailovic then scored the winner five minutes into added time.
The victory ended Toronto’s three-game losing streak and moved the club closer to a place in the Eastern Conference playoff positions.
In another match, Chicago Fire defeated New York City FC 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half. Austrian midfielder Hannes Wolf put New York City ahead in the 19th minute, while Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Swedish midfielder Anton Saletros brought Chicago level in the 55th minute before Swiss forward Maren Haile-Selassie scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
Messi’s brace and Miami’s convincing victory provided a timely boost for the defending champions as they continue their campaign for another MLS title.
