Lionel Messi made a successful return after a lengthy absence, scoring a brace and assisting Luis Suarez on the third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

The Argentine star winger and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was out of the pitch since 1st June because of his commitment to the national team and a right ankle injury which he suffered during the victory against Colombia in the Copa America final on 14th July.

Messi, who resumed practicing three weeks ago, showed no rust or ill effects of the injury in Saturday’s performance. He scored twice in a four-minute span midway through the first half that negated an early goal by Philadelphia.

Luis Suarez had one assist and clinched Miami’s win with a strike on Messi’s assist during second-half stoppage time. It was Suarez's 17th goal of the season.