Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami beat the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in his first game for the club in over three months.
Messi helped the Herons take a 2-1 lead in the first half after scoring in the 26th and 30th minutes as they improved their MLS-best record to 19-4-5.
After Philadelphia took the lead 59 seconds into the match, Inter Miami tied the game after Messi finished off a combination play for his 13th MLS goal of the season.
Inter Miami would take the lead minutes later, thanks to Messi after he put home a pass across the Union penalty box from Jordi Alba.
Luis Suárez, who had a goal called back in the first half, added Inter Miami’s third goal in the 98th minute off Messi’s 15th assist of the season.
Messi now has 14 goals for Inter Miami, five behind league leader Christian Benteke of D.C. United in 12 fewer games.
Long road back for Messi
Messi had not played for Inter Miami since June 1 and had been out injured since suffering damage to an ankle ligament during the Copa América final on July 14 as Argentina beat Colombia. He was also left off the national team’s roster for its 3-0 win over Chile and 2-1 loss to Colombia during World Cup qualifiers last week.
Messi had been training and head coach Tata Martino said Friday that Messi would be involved, but wasn’t sure if he would start or come off the bench.
Martino said in late August that Messi would return before the MLS playoffs begin Oct. 23, but could not give a definitive return date at the time.
During Messi’s absence, Inter Miami had gone 10-3-1 in all competitions. It was knocked out in the Round of 16 of Leagues Cup by the Columbus Crew, ending its hopes of winning the tournament for the second season in a row.
Inter Miami currently leads MLS with 62 points and is ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Cincinnati by 10 points in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.