Messi returns with 2 goals: Leads Inter Miami to 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union

After an extended hiatus, Lionel Messi returned to form, helping Inter Miami defeat the Philadelphia Union 3-1 with two goals and an assist on the third.

Due to duties with his national team and a right ankle injury, he suffered during a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and star winger from Argentina had not played for Inter Miami since June 1.

Three weeks after starting to practice again, Messi's performance revealed no signs of rust or negative consequences from the injury.

Midway through the first half, he scored twice in a four-minute span, negating an early Philadelphia goal.

Miami won 8-2 without Messi, securing a postseason berth in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and taking the lead with 62 points in the Supporters Shield standings.

In the 26th minute, Messi's first goal came after a short ball from Suárez, which allowed the Argentine to outmaneuver Union defender Kai Wagner and score with a shot.

Four minutes later, Messi beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard shot after receiving a crossing assist from Jordi Alba inside the area.

During second-half stoppage time, Luis Suárez, who had assisted on the first goal, scored his 17th goal of the season to seal Miami's victory.

On Tuesday, Inter Miami will go to Atlanta, and the Union will travel to New York City FC.