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

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentine star winger has not played for Inter Miami since June 1 due to responsibilities with his national team and a right ankle injury he suffered on July 14 during a 1-0 Copa America final triumph over Colombia.

Messi said in Spanish on the Apple TV broadcast following the game, “I wanted to return so much after such a long time away, but I was a little tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami.”

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.

With Argentina set to defend their FIFA World Cup title in 2026, many fans have been left wondering about the former Barcelona’s star’s availability, as he is already 37-years-old. Messi’s former teammate and Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme feels that the Inter Miami star will feature in the tournament in 2026.