In a triumphant return, Lionel Messi scored quickly to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami, putting them in first place in the Eastern Conference of the MLS.

Lionel Messi took just two minutes to score and netted the eventual winning goal as Inter Miami CF defeated the Philadelphia Union 2–1 on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami's Chase Stadium will host a clash atop MLS' Eastern Conference between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. While the Herons were expected to be among the league's elite,

Messi has been nursing an adductor strain in his left thigh. He felt discomfort during Inter Miami’s last match at Atlanta United March 16.

Messi and Robert Taylor scored for Miami, then Dániel Gazdag scored a consolation goal late in the second half. The Union outshot Miami 18-5, but most of the looks weren't as good as the home team's.

Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the season less than two minutes after he entered the game as a second-half substitute, and Inter Miami held on for a 2-1 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Union.

On Friday Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi is “doing well” and it’s expected the superstar will be in the squad against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday (7:30pm ET kick off).

Inter Miami CF kept on rolling Saturday night, extending their undefeated streak to five games with a 2–1 win over the Philadelphia Union.

Lionel Messi got started quickly after returning from injury. The Inter Miami star returned from two weeks out with an adductor strain Saturday, subbing into the game in the 55th minute against the Philadelphia Union. Two minutes later he had his second goal of the MLS season.