Even without hitting his top form, Lionel Messi made a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal against LA Galaxy. Inter Miami’s star performance not only highlights his skill but also nudges him closer to securing another prestigious MLS award.

Lionel Messi returned from injury Saturday night and finished with a goal and an assist to propel host Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Messi slipped through defenders with his trademark dribbling before burying a left-footed shot from distance that made it 2-1 in the 84th minute.