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Lionel Messi reminded MLS why he remains the sport's ultimate difference-maker, powering Inter Miami to a commanding 5-1 win over Columbus Crew on Saturday night.
The Argentinian star was at the heart of everything positive for Miami, contributing directly to all five goals in what was one of the team's most comprehensive performances of the season.
Messi struck twice in the first half-scoring in the 15th and 24th minutes-while also setting up Tadeo Allende and Fafà Picault, and playing a pivotal role in Luis Suarez's 64th-minute finish.
It marked the second consecutive game where Messi recorded multiple goals and assists, extending his league-leading tally to 16 goal contributions.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now sits tied for third in the MLS Golden Boot race with 10 goals in 2025, and his chemistry with former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez continues to flourish.
Mascherano praises Messi as Miami regains confidence
Inter Miami entered Saturday's match seeking consistency after a difficult stretch, with just two wins in their previous eight league fixtures.
But following a midweek 4-2 win over CF Montreal, Messi once again inspired the team with a performance that overwhelmed one of the league's better defensive sides.
"I see him every game. We see the same thing," said head coach Javier Mascherano. "We try to help him as much as we can. ... Clearly he is the best player that has ever played this game.
"And we have to understand that when he is not brilliant, that's because one of us is failing. That's the reality."
Miami wasted little time asserting itself against a Columbus team that entered with just 19 goals conceded-the eighth-best mark in MLS.
Messi lofted a brilliant ball to set up Allende's opener, then quickly followed up by capitalizing on a poor decision from Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, chipping him with composure despite a deflection.
Busquets, who had assisted Messi in the prior match, once again found the No.10 with a looping behind the defense. Messi calmly finished for his second goal, giving the hosts a 3-0 cushion.
Columbus briefly showed signs of life in the second half when Cesar Ruvalcaba headed in from a Dylan Chambost corner. However, Luis Suarez restored the margin with a low shot before Picault sealed the win in the closing minutes, latching onto Messi's through ball.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was subbed out at halftime with leg discomfort, prompting Rocco Ríos Novo to finish the match. Meanwhile, veteran left-back Jordi Alba missed the game after picking up an injury against Montreal earlier in the week.
The win lifted Inter Miami into a tie for third in the Eastern Conference standings with 29 points, strengthening their playoff positioning just before a busy stretch of international competition.
Miami is scheduled to face Al Ahly of Egypt in the Club World Cup on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.
Before that, Messi will the Argentina national team for World Cup qualifiers against Chile (June 5) and Colombia (June 10), continuing a whirlwind month for one of the game's all-time greats.
Despite injuries and a grueling schedule, Inter Miami appear to be hitting their stride-and with Messi in peak form, their ambitions for silverware remain very much alive.