Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over DC United on Saturday, marking his return to club action following his farewell appearance for the Argentina national team.

Just four days after finding the net in Argentina’s victory over Benin in what was described as his final international match, the 39-year-old superstar struck in the 47th and 60th minutes to seal a comfortable win for the defending MLS champions.

The result provided a welcome boost for Inter Miami, who had managed just one victory in their previous 10 league outings. The Florida-based side secured only their second win in 11 MLS matches, ending a difficult spell in domestic competition.

Earlier in the contest, Luis Suarez scored twice in the first half to put the Herons firmly in control before Messi added his goals after the break.

The victory improved Inter Miami’s record to 13 wins, five defeats and 10 draws, taking their points tally to 49. They also climbed from third to second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute, firing a powerful left-footed effort from the centre of the penalty area into the top-left corner to put Miami ahead.

The striker found the net again in the 39th minute to register his 16th goal of the season. German Berterame provided the assist for the second goal, having also set up Suarez’s opener.

Messi extended Miami’s advantage to 3-0 with a powerful left-footed finish following an assist from Suarez. Thirteen minutes later, the Argentine superstar weaved past three defenders before finding the net again, further strengthening the hosts’ grip on the match.

Inter Miami delivered one of their most convincing performances in recent weeks, ending a difficult run in the MLS regular season. Before Saturday’s victory, they had gone without a league win since August 29, recording four draws and one defeat during that period.

With their key players producing decisive performances, the defending champions will hope to build on this result as they pursue a second consecutive MLS title. With six matches remaining in the regular season, the victory could provide a timely boost to their campaign.

Messi is aiming to guide Inter Miami to back-to-back MLS championships, a feat last achieved by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. The Argentine captain is also chasing a third successive MLS Most Valuable Player award after registering 23 goals and providing 13 assists, making him the league’s leading contributor in combined goals and assists.