Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance as Inter Miami rallied for a 3-2 victory over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the equalizer from a free kick in the 61st minute and set up Micael dos Santos' winner in the 74th, continuing his remarkable MLS career.

Gonzalo Luján opened the scoring for Miami in the fourth minute with his first career goal, while Nicolás Fernández answered for NYCFC with his fifth goal of the season in the 17th minute. Agustín Ojeda briefly gave NYCFC the lead in the 59th minute, but Messi's brilliance proved decisive. The Argentine now has 901 career goals across club and international play.

Dayne St. Claire made three saves for Miami in his first season with the defending MLS Cup champions, while Matt Freese stopped five shots for NYCFC. The win moves Inter Miami into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference, handing NYCFC its first loss. Messi has now scored 54 goals in just 58 MLS appearances, cementing his status as the league's most impactful player.