Watch Luis Suarez scores 2 goals as Inter Miami beat DC United

Luis Suarez scored his sixth goal in seven games across all competitions for the South Florida club, extending his impressive start to life in Major League Soccer.

Even though Miami had lost their previous seven games without Messi, dating back to September, head coach Gerardo Martino decided to start Jordi Alba and Suarez on the bench.

Only Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets got the start at Audi Field out of the four former Barcelona players at Martino's disposal, and the home team sensed an upset opportunity.

Jared Stroud scored for D.C. United by grabbing a pass from Mateusz Kilch and beating Drake Callender with a first-time effort.

The advantage, however, was short-lived as Leonardo Campana, starting in place of Suarez for Miami, saw his header saved by Alex Bono but eventually turned in after Federico Redondo collected the ball and D.C. failed to clear.

Robert Taylor was set up down the left by a brilliant cross-field ball from Busquets, but just before halftime, his low drive struck the outside of the post.

In the 62nd minute, after Christian Benteke had headed over for United, the Uruguayan Suarez was brought in.

Ten minutes after entering the game, Suarez completed a brilliant move by heading home a low cross from Campana at the far post.

Then, after winning the ball in midfield and breaking forward, Diego Gomez, Miami's potent Paraguayan midfielder, found Suarez, whose first goal attempt was stopped.

However, Suarez managed to carve out room for a chip, which Bono tried to resist but was unable to stop him from going overboard.

Pedro Santos was sent off for D.C. United in the last minute when he tackled Shanyder Borgelin, a substitute.

On April 3, Miami will take on the Mexican team Monterrey in the regional tournament.