Lionel Messi Sets New Inter Miami Records After Scoring Brace Following Argentina Retirement

After saying goodbye to the Argentina national team, the Rosario-born superstar shone with a brace and extended his historic records. Which milestones could he reach next?

Lionel Messi scored twice against DC United, reaching 104 goals for Inter Miami and strengthening his pursuit of 1,000 career goals

Lionel Messi began a new chapter in his career with a brace in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over DC United on Matchday 28 of the 2026 MLS season. After saying goodbye to the Argentina national team, the Rosario-born superstar shined once again, boosting his individual ambitions amid the controversy surrounding his tribute with the Albiceleste.

MESSI SCORES BRACE AFTER SAYING GOODBYE TO ARGENTINA

The Inter Miami captain responded with two goals in his first match after saying goodbye to the Albiceleste. Messi scored in the 47th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Luis Suárez before finishing past goalkeeper Sean Johnson to make it 3-0.

In the 60th minute, the Argentine completed his brace with a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past several defenders before slotting the ball inside the post to seal the 4-0 victory.

His performance came after a historic farewell to Argentina, the national team with which he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles. However, the tribute was also overshadowed by controversy surrounding the drone show during the ceremony. An advertisement for insurance company Sancor Seguros appeared amid the aerial display, drawing criticism from fans who had expected a celebration focused on the captain’s career and achievements.

Friendlies

ALL GOALS: Messi's Farewell With La Albiceleste

Friendlies

Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina With Gratitude

INTER MIAMI RETURN TO WINNING WAYS AS MESSI KEEPS SCORING

The brace was also crucial for the team. Inter Miami ended a five-match winless streak in MLS and regained momentum in the final stretch of the season. Before Messi’s goals, Luis Suárez had scored a brace of his own, finding the net in the 3rd and 39th minutes, with both goals assisted by Germán Berterame.

With his two goals, Messi reached 23 goals in the 2026 MLS regular season and recorded his 80th goal in the American league. He also raised his tally to 104 goals for Inter Miami across all competitions, cementing his status as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer since joining the club in 2023.

The numbers highlight the Argentine’s impact on American soccer and reinforce his status as one of the league’s biggest stars.

Friendlies

Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to the National Team

MLS

Lionel Messi’s Mental Reset

MESSI AND HIS PURSUIT OF 1,000 CAREER GOALS

The brace against DC United also brought Messi closer to another historic milestone: 1,000 official career goals. With his two strikes, the Argentine reached 934 goals, leaving him 66 short of the four-digit mark, according to statistical tallies published after the match.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to add to his impressive record and is now focused on Inter Miami, where he still has team and individual goals to achieve. Every goal fuels anticipation for more records in a career that continues to make history.

Friendlies

Messi and Argentina: Controversies That Shaped Him

CAN MESSI WIN THE 2026 MLS GOLDEN BOOT?

With 23 goals in the MLS regular season, Messi remains in contention for the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer. The Argentine is looking to win the honor for the second consecutive year after claiming it in 2025, when he finished the campaign with 29 goals.

His brace against DC United strengthens his individual ambitions as the season approaches its conclusion. If he maintains his scoring pace, he will have an opportunity to finish the campaign with another individual accolade while Inter Miami pushes to establish itself as a contender for the title.

Messi’s farewell to the Argentina national team, marked by both emotion and controversy surrounding the drone show, did not signal the end of his challenges. His performance against DC United confirmed that Lionel Messi still has records to chase and new chapters to write in American soccer.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MESSI’S BRACE FOR INTER MIAMI

BRACE AFTER FAREWELL TO ARGENTINA: Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over D.C. United, in a match also overshadowed by controversy involving drones.
104 GOALS FOR INTER MIAMI: The Argentine superstar extended his record as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
CHASING MORE RECORDS: With 23 goals in the 2026 MLS season, Messi is competing for the MLS Golden Boot and closing in on the 1,000-goal milestone in his professional career.