Messi, Suárez Score Twice as Inter Miami Crushes D.C. United 4-0

Messi Leads Miami’s Offensive Explosion to End Five Match Winless Streak

Lionel Messi scored twice to increase his league leading total to 23 goals, Luis Suárez added a brace of his own, and Inter Miami CF snapped a five match winless streak with a commanding 4-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night.

Suárez scored twice in the first half to give Miami a 2-0 advantage at halftime before Messi struck twice after the break to complete the rout. Germán Berterame contributed two assists as Miami delivered its first league victory since a 7-1 demolition of CF Montreal on Aug. 29.

Inter Miami had recorded four draws and one loss during its previous five matches before Saturday’s performance. The victory also marked the first league win for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took over the team on Sept. 16.

Suárez Strikes Twice to Give Miami First Half Control

Inter Miami wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, with Suárez opening the scoring just three minutes into the match. Berterame delivered a header that Suárez collected before beating D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson with a shot inside the left post to give Miami an early 1-0 lead.

Suárez doubled the advantage in the 39th minute to complete his brace. Johnson initially denied Messi with a point blank save, but the rebound fell to Berterame, who set up Suárez with another header inside the six yard box. The Uruguayan striker finished from close range, sending Miami into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Berterame’s contributions proved crucial to Miami’s attacking success, as the forward assisted on both of Suárez’s goals to help the hosts establish control before the break.

Messi Scores Twice After International Farewell

Messi took over after halftime, scoring his first goal in the 47th minute. Suárez sent a pass across the area near the six yard box, where Messi collected the ball and calmly tapped it inside the right post to extend Miami’s lead to 3-0.

The Argentine superstar struck again in the 60th minute to put the match beyond reach. After receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi dribbled into the penalty area, maneuvered past two D.C. United defenders and beat Johnson with a shot from 12 yards to make it 4-0.

Messi finished the full 90 minutes just four days after playing in his farewell match, bringing his 21-year tenure with the Argentine national team to a close. His two-goal performance further strengthened his position atop the MLS scoring charts with 23 goals this season. Suárez and Messi combined to deliver the decisive attacking performance Miami needed to end its frustrating stretch without a victory.

Miami Looks to Build Momentum Against New York City FC

The victory provides Inter Miami with renewed momentum as González continues to establish his team following his appointment in September. After five consecutive matches without a win, Miami will look to carry Saturday’s attacking form into its next fixture.

Inter Miami will host New York City FC on Wednesday night, while D.C. United will attempt to end its own difficult run when it faces the New York Red Bulls that same evening. D.C. United has now gone five consecutive matches without a victory, while Miami will aim to turn its emphatic win into a sustained push as the MLS season continues.