The Argentine superstar scored in the 47th and 60th minutes, helping Miami secure their first MLS victory since their 7–1 demolition of CF Montréal on 29 August.
The match was Messi’s first club appearance since his farewell outing for Argentina’s national team, which ended a 21-year international career.
Suárez sets the pace with first-half brace
Inter Miami took the lead just three minutes into the match when Luis Suárez finished a move initiated by German Berterame, firing a left-footed effort into the net.
Suárez doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, completing his brace after goalkeeper Sean Johnson parried Messi’s close-range attempt and Berterame helped create another opportunity inside the penalty area.
Miami went into half-time with a comfortable two-goal lead, having established control before Messi took centre stage after the interval.
Messi strikes twice after the break
Messi extended Miami’s advantage two minutes into the second half. Suárez supplied the decisive pass, allowing the Argentine to finish from close range and make it 3–0.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then produced another moment of individual quality in the 60th minute. Receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi dribbled past defenders before beating Johnson with a shot from inside the penalty area.
The two goals took Messi to 23 MLS goals for the season, according to the Associated Press, strengthening his position at the top of the league’s scoring chart.
Miami return to winning ways
The emphatic victory was a welcome response after a difficult run of league results. Miami had recorded four draws and one defeat across their previous five MLS matches.
The win moved the defending champions to 49 points from 28 matches, with a record of 13 wins, five defeats and 10 draws, lifting them from third to second in the Eastern Conference at the time of the report.
Suárez’s finishing, Berterame’s contribution in the build-up and Messi’s second-half display gave Miami a convincing result as they continued their pursuit of consecutive MLS Cup titles.
What comes next?
Inter Miami are scheduled to host New York City FC in their next league fixture on Wednesday, while D.C. United are due to face the New York Red Bulls.
For Miami, Messi’s return to club action with two goals provides a boost as the regular season approaches its closing stages.