Lionel Messi continued his impressive goal-scoring form in MLS, scoring twice as Inter Miami, the league leaders, came from behind to secure a 4-1 victory against the New England Revolution on Saturday.
Messi, currently the top scorer in MLS, has now scored nine goals in seven appearances this season.
A crowd of over 65,612 gathered at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to witness the Argentine World Cup winner in action.
New England, despite being hit by a virus before the game and being at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, thrilled the home crowd when Tomas Chancalay scored just 40 seconds into the match.
Miami's Nicolas Freire's mistake led to New England's goal, as Spanish midfielder Carles Gil provided a perfect assist to Chancalay, who chipped the ball over the Miami keeper, Drake Callender.
Messi equalized for Miami in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a through pass from Robert Taylor.
The legendary forward then put Miami ahead in the 68th minute, receiving a precise pass from his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and scoring with ease.
Miami scored two more goals, both orchestrated by Messi, in the later stages of the match.
Substitute Benjamin Cremaschi made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute, following up on a shot by Messi. Luis Suarez completed the scoring, finding the top corner after a pass from Messi.
Miami has won three consecutive games since their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Mexican club Monterrey. Messi has scored five goals in these three games, including victories against Kansas City and Nashville.
Coach Gerardo Martino expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, noting that they are becoming more solid with each game.
New England coach Caleb Porter admitted disappointment with his defenders for allowing Messi space to score but acknowledged Messi's class in taking advantage of those opportunities.
In another game, D.C. United's Christian Benteke scored twice in a 2-1 win against the Seattle Sounders. Real Salt Lake now tops the Western Conference after defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-1, handing them their first loss of the season.