Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami in return to club with brace

Lionel Messi recorded a brace to go along with his age-defying first goal to give Inter Miami the go-ahead score in MLS action Saturday night. Inter Miami improved to 9-5-3 on the year with a 4-1 victory over CF Montreal.

Messi, who had been playing in the Club World Cup, made his first MLS appearance in over a month one to remember. He scored in the 40th minute to make it 2-1 before adding a second goal 22 minutes later. 

MORE: Insane goal from Lionel Messi in his return to Inter Miami in MLS play

Miami had been eliminated from the competition by Paris Saint-Germain, who advanced to the semifinals earlier in the day. 

The win was the third straight for Inter Miami in MLS play, as Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia each found the back of the net. CF Montreal had taken a 1-0 lead on a goal by Prince Owusu just two minutes into the match.

Messi has tallied 12 goals in 14 MLS appearances on the year. The 38-year-old now has 32 goals and 26 assists in 34 matches with the league.

MORE MAJOR SOCCER NEWS:

• All you need to know ahead of the Gold Cup final between USA and Mexico on Sunday
• Bayern star suffers horrible leg break in Club World Cup
• UEFA Women's Euro 2025 match schedule
• FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match schedule