Messi scores brace after international retirement

Lionel Messi scored twice in his first match since retiring from international football in an emphatic win for Inter Miami against DC United.

Just four days after scoring in his final match for Argentina, where he brought his glittering career with the national team to a close, the 39-year-old helped Miami win for only the second time in 11 MLS matches.

Following a first-half double from former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, Messi scored 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, waved goodbye to the national team last week after a record-breaking career.

He scored 126 goals in 208 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

Messi's main focus is now on the MLS, where he is hoping to help Miami become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011-12.