Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami secured an emphatic victory over DC United in his first appearance since retiring from international football.

The Argentine superstar returned to club action just four days after scoring in his final match for Argentina, bringing his illustrious international career to an end. His goals helped Miami record only their second win in 11 Major League Soccer (MLS) matches.

Former Uruguay international Luis Suarez had put Miami in control with two first-half goals before Messi struck in the 47th and 60th minutes to complete the rout.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, ended his international career last week after an outstanding spell with the national team.

Messi finished his international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

The 39-year-old will now turn his attention to the MLS, where he hopes to guide Inter Miami to consecutive league titles, a feat last achieved by Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.

Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute with a powerful left-footed effort inside the penalty area that found the top corner.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker completed his brace six minutes before the interval, taking his tally to 16 league goals this season.

He then provided the assist for Messi’s first goal shortly after the restart, before the Argentine beat three defenders to score his second 13 minutes later.

Messi remains the MLS’s leading scorer this season with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.

Despite the victory, Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference, 14 points behind league leaders Nashville FC.