Philadelphia Union surprisingly took a two-goal lead just nine minutes into the match at the reigning MLS champions' NU stadium. Milan Iloski opened the scoring with a close-range volley in the second minute, then earned and converted a penalty to double their advantage.

Facing the threat of a heavy defeat, Miami's attack truly ignited. In the 12th minute, Messi broke into the penalty area and delivered a cross, setting up German Berterame for a tap-in to reduce the deficit.

Messi dribbles during Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in MLS matchday 15 at NU stadium on the evening of 24/5. Photo: AP

Miami conceded a third goal in the 18th minute. After goalkeeper St Clair pushed away a diagonal shot, Bruno Damiani scored with a rebound from close range, extending the lead to 3-1. Having led twice by two goals, the bottom-ranked team in the MLS Eastern Conference held a significant advantage to secure three points. However, against the power of Miami's offense, they could not maintain their lead for long.

The home team responded with three consecutive goals from the 29th to the 44th minute. During this period, Luis Suarez scored two goals, while Messi provided his second assist for Berterame.

Philadelphia capped off the first-half chase with an equalizer, making it 4-4 in the 45+7th minute. Iloski once again found Miami's net from the penalty spot. Sofascore awarded a perfect 10 to the visiting team's number 10 player for his performance in this match.

The second half unfolded with more stability compared to the first. Miami learned from their four conceded goals, solidified their defense, and played more cautiously. In attack, even after Messi left the field in the 73rd minute, Suarez and Berterame were still capable of carrying the offensive load.

In the 81st minute, Miami launched a counter-attack to take a 5-4 lead. Following a teammate's cross, Suarez tapped the ball in to complete his hat-trick. The home team continued their effective counter-attacking play, securing a 6-4 victory in the 90+2nd minute. After breaking into the penalty area, Rodrigo De Paul fired a diagonal shot past the Philadelphia Union goalkeeper.

Suarez celebrates a goal during Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in MLS matchday 15 at NU stadium on the evening of 24/5. Photo: AP

With two goals and one assist, Berterame received a perfect 10 from Sofascore. Suarez earned a 9,4 rating, while Messi received an 8,7.

Messi has not yet improved his career tally of 910 goals, remaining 63 goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Miami captain extended his assist record to 414.

The victory against Philadelphia helps Miami solidify their second-place position in the MLS Eastern Conference table with 31 points from 15 matches, trailing Nashville by two points and having played one more match.