Lionel Messi’s spectacular strike also saw him equal an MLS record set by his former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry.

So, what will happen? The likeliest scenario is that Messi signs a new deal with Inter Miami ahead of the 2026 MLS season, which will secure his future through next summer's World Cup. Any big developments in Messi's playing career will occur after next summer, whether or not he lifts another World Cup crown.

Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia also scored for Miami (9-3-5), which returned to MLS action after playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Miami dropped out of the tournament in the round of 16 last Sunday with a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.