Lionel Messi Shatters Another MLS Record with Instant Impact on Inter Miami Return

 He was an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and made his return from injury in the most familiar fashion—by finding the back of the net.

Lionel Messi shattered more MLS records, scoring twice and providing an assist in Inter Miami's latest match. In just five minutes, Messi netted twice in his comeback game following an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final in July.

Philadelphia Union's Mikael Uhre had opened the scoring just two minutes in, but Messi equalized in the 26th minute after receiving a pass from Luis Suarez. Four minutes later, Messi struck again, beating Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard effort. Messi then capped off the night by assisting Suarez for the third goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

With 15 goals and 15 assists in just 19 MLS games, Messi has become the fastest player in league history to reach these numbers, surpassing the previous record held by Sebastian Giovinco, who took 29 games to do so.

Speaking to the media after the match, Messi expressed confidence in his team's chances, saying: "We know the quality of our squad, and winning the Supporters' Shield is a real goal for us. Despite injuries and setbacks, we've kept pushing forward and now sit comfortably at the top."

Messi's impressive run comes at a critical time for Inter Miami, as the club currently sits in first place with 62 points, six games away from potentially breaking the all-time MLS points record of 73.

With 45 trophies already in his illustrious career, Messi could further extend that record to 47 if Inter Miami clinches both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield this season.