Lionel Messi scores two goals and provides an assist in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Nashville SC, capping a masterful MLS performance.

Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 3-1 thanks in large part to a magnificent effort from Lionel Messi, who scored twice and assisted Sergio Busquet's goal.

Messi has dominated the Major League Soccer (MLS) since joining Inter Miami in July of last year. On Saturday, he made league history by becoming the first player to contribute to multiple goals in five of the first six games of a season. 

 His genius has turned Miami's fortunes around, bringing in record-breaking crowds wherever the team plays, including a home game this Saturday at Chase Field, and leading the team to its first trophy in August and its current apex in the Eastern Conference standings.

After just two minutes, Nashville led 1-0 thanks to an own goal after the ball bounced off Franco Negri's thigh and into the goal at a corner, taking advantage of a lapse in Miami defense.  But less than ten minutes later, Messi made one of his signature crazy runs, and when goalie Elliot Panicco stopped his first attempt, Luis Suárez grabbed the rebound, and Messi was there to give Miami the equalizer.

Suárez moved to Miami in December to join his old Barcelona teammate, and the two have since developed into a formidable duo, scoring 17 goals between them this season across all competitions.

Just before halftime, Messi set up Miami's second goal with a superbly weighted corner kick that curled in towards the near post and grazed Sergio Busquet's head before finding the back of the net.  After netting his first goal for Miami, Busquet told reporters, "I am very thrilled (to get the assist from Messi)," according to ESPN. "

I am thrilled about all his presence has brought to the club, both on and off the field. In order to continue achieving our goals, we must never give up.  And in the 80th minute, the Argentine sensation made it official for Inter Miami when he coolly scored a penalty kick to give his club a 3-1 advantage that Nashville was unable to overcome.