Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Matchday for the first time in his Inter Miami career, with a starring role played against Sporting KC.

The Argentine icon was at his magical best in that contest, as he scored one and made another in a 3-2 victory for the Herons. That success was played out in front of more than 72,000 spectators at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City – the fourth-largest attendance for an MLS fixture.

Messi’s strike in that game was spectacular, as he fired home from outside the box, while he also teed up Diego Gomez in the 18th minute. Luis Suarez netted the decisive goal for Inter Miami, as they returned to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Messi’s efforts have now been recognised with MVP honours for Matchday 9. That should come as no surprise as he has become the first player to post at least five goals and the same number of assists through his first five games of the season. He has also joined USMNT legend Landon Donovan, Arsenal great Thierry Henry and Raul Diaz Acre in registering at least 10 goal contributions through five matches to begin an MLS campaign.

Read more on Goal