Messi shines in return as Miami defeats Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a brilliant performance in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.

The Argentine captain scored twice and provided an assist to guide Inter Miami to a dominant on his return to MLS.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury during Argentina’s 1-0 Copa final win over Colombia.

The game began roughly for Inter Miami, with Philadelphia taking an early lead. With about a minute in, Mikael Uhre weaved past a defender and slotted the ball past Miami goalkeeper, Drake Callender, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

However, Messi changed the tune in the 26th minute to score his first goal since returning from injury. Having received a pass from Luis Suarez, he sent the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Four minutes later, Jordi Alba assisted Messi for his second, to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead.

Suarez also got on the scoresheet after having a goal disallowed for offside before halftime. The former Barcelona man finished off an assist from Messi to secure a 3-1 victory before stoppage time.

Lionel Messi is just two goals away from becoming Inter Miami’s all-time goal scorer. He has 27 goals, behind Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Campana’s 29.

He is also one assist away from becoming top assister, as he has 17 assists to his name, behind Robert Taylor’s 18 assists.