Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union in his first game for the club in over three months.

Messi helped the Herons take a 2-1 first-half lead with goals in the 26th and 30th minutes, improving their MLS record to 19-4-5.

After Philadelphia took the lead 59 seconds into the game, Inter Miami tied the game after Messi completed a combination for his 13th MLS goal of the season.

Inter Miami took the lead a few minutes later thanks to Messi, who fired home a pass from Jordi Alba across Union’s penalty area.

Luis Suárez, whose goal had been disallowed in the first half, scored Inter Miami’s third goal in the 98th minute after Messi provided his 15th assist of the season.

Messi has now scored 14 goals for Inter Miami, five fewer than league leader Christian Benteke of DC United, in 12 fewer games.

Long road back for Messi

Messi had not played for Inter Miami since June 1 and had been injured since tearing ankle ligaments in Argentina’s Copa América final on July 14. He was also not in the national team squad for the 3-0 win over Chile and the 2-1 loss to Colombia during World Cup qualifiers last week.

Messi had been training and head coach Tata Martino said on Friday that Messi would take part, but was unsure whether he would start or come off the bench.

Martino said in late August that Messi would return before the start of the MLS playoffs on October 23, but could not give a definitive return date at the time.

During Messi’s absence, Inter Miami had a 10-3-1 record in all competitions. The club was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup by the Columbus Crew, ending its hopes of winning the tournament for the second time in a row.

Inter Miami currently leads the MLS with 62 points and is 10 points ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Cincinnati in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.