Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains football’s ultimate headline act, firing Inter Miami to victory just hours after Cristiano Ronaldo’s double for Al Nassr.

The Argentine maestro bagged two goals and an assist to lift his side past D.C. United in a thrilling MLS clash.

Inter Miami fans were treated to a dazzling show from their captain, who started the night by setting up first-year midfielder Tadeo Allende for the opener in the 35th minute.

Messi then took matters into his own hands in the second half, restoring Miami’s lead in the 66th minute with his trademark precision before adding another in the 85th to seemingly seal the match.

With 22 goals this season, Messi now leads the MLS Golden Boot race, pulling one ahead of Nashville’s Sam Surridge.

His 12 assists also put him among the league’s top creators, showing his all-round brilliance. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets chipped in as well, with Alba grabbing his 10th assist of the season and Busquets his seventh, proving the Barcelona trio remains as effective in Miami pink as they were in Catalonia.

Despite Messi’s magic, D.C. United refused to go quietly. Christian Benteke equalised in the 53rd minute, adding to his growing tally with his ninth goal of the season.

In stoppage time, Jacob Murrell struck again to cut the deficit to 3-2, assisted by Benteke and Rida Zouhir. However, it was too little, too late as Inter Miami held on for three vital points that keep them firmly in the playoff hunt.

Currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, Miami trails fourth-placed New York City FC by just one point but has the advantage of two games in hand, setting up a potentially decisive showdown at Citi Field on Wednesday.