Lionel Messi scored two goals in a dominant performance in MLS as Inter Miami cruised to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC.

(CNN) — Lionel Messi again produced a masterful performance for Inter Miami, scoring twice and assisting Sergio Busquets' goal.

Since joining Inter Miami last July, Messi has lit up MLS and on Saturday became the first player in the league to score multiple goals in five of the first six games of a season.

His brilliance turned Miami's fortunes around, helping them to their first trophy last August and their current spot in the Eastern Conference standings, as well as drawing big crowds to the club's Saturday games at Chase Field. .

Nashville took the lead two minutes later when a corner took advantage of Miami's poor defense and the ball bounced off Franco Negri's leg and into the net for an own goal.

But less than 10 minutes later, Messi made one of his trademark runs and after his initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Eliot Panico, Luis Suarez collected the rebound and Messi equalized for Miami.

Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 3-1. (Credit: Doug Murray/ICON Sportswire/Getty Images)

Suarez joined up with his former Barcelona team-mate in Miami in December and the pair have formed a potent combination, scoring 17 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Messi then became the provider of Miami's second goal, his perfectly weighted corner kick heading towards the near post and grazing the head of Sergio Busquets, who made it 2-2 for his side.

“I'm very happy (to get Messi's assist),” Busquets told ESPN reporters after scoring his first goal for Miami. “I am very happy with his presence at club level and off the field. We must continue to work to achieve our objectives.”

And the Argentine superstar sealed Inter Miami's victory in the 80th minute when he coolly converted a penalty to give his side a 3-1 lead that Nashville couldn't convert.