Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 in his first game for the club in more than three months.

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

After Philadelphia took the lead after 59 seconds, Inter Miami equalized thanks to a combination from Messi and his 13th MLS goal of the season.

A few minutes later, Inter Miami took the lead thanks to Messi, who converted a pass from Jordi Alba into the Union penalty area.

Luis Suárez, who had a goal disallowed in the first half, scored Inter Miami’s third goal in the 98th minute thanks to Messi’s 15th assist of the season.

Messi now has 14 goals for Inter Miami, five fewer than league leaders 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 out with injuries since suffering an ankle ligament injury in the Copa América final on July 14, when Argentina defeated Colombia. He was also left out of the national team squad for the 3-0 win over Chile and the 2-1 defeat to Colombia in last week’s World Cup qualifiers.

Messi had trained with the team and head coach Tata Martino said on Friday that Messi would be involved, but it was not yet certain whether he would start or come on as a substitute.

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

In Messi’s absence, Inter Miami had gone 10-3-1 in all competitions, but were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup by Columbus Crew, ending their hopes of winning the tournament for a second consecutive season.

Inter Miami currently top the MLS table with 62 points and are 10 points ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Cincinnati in the Supporters’ Shield battle.