Messi Delivers Magic as MLS Week Explodes with Spectacular Goals and Brilliant Displays

Following the return of all MLS squads from the FIFA Club World Cup and numerous players coming back from international commitments at the Concacaf Gold Cup, the peak summer period is now underway for MLS and its 30 franchises.

However, this didn't diminish the exceptional performances displayed over the weekend, with Lionel Messi showcasing vintage form for Inter Miami CF in Montreal and Hany Mukhtar delivering memorable moments for Nashville SC supporters during another remarkable week.

As Matchday 22 of the MLS regular season concludes, here are five outstanding goals worth highlighting.

5. Hany Mukhtar's Dramatic Late Strike in Nashville

It requires something extraordinary for a penalty to make the Goals of the Week list, but Nashville SC's Hany Mukhtar achieves exactly that with a powerful strike during the 11th minute of second-half injury time. He defeats Andre Blake and secures Nashville a 1–0 victory over Philadelphia Union, sending GEODIS Park into absolute chaos.

4. Smooth Passing Play for Columbus Crew SC

While Columbus Crew SC witnessed their three-match winning run end in a stalemate with Seattle Sounders on Sunday, the build-up to their first goal was truly remarkable. Jacen Russell-Rowe expertly located Ibrahim Aliyu slipping behind the defensive line, before Diego Rossi completed the sequence with his 10th strike of the season.

3. Biel's Elegant Finish for Charlotte FC

Despite Charlotte FC surrendering a 2–0 advantage against Orlando City SC this weekend, Pep Biel crafted one of the week's finest goals, wrapping his foot around the ball to guide it beyond goalkeeper Pedro Gallese into the side netting. The preparation was excellent, but the execution was sheer elegance.

2. Diogo Gonçalves Bends One for Real Salt Lake

While Diogo Gonçalves may not be experiencing his ideal campaign with Real Salt Lake, he delivered a spectacular curled finish in their victory over St. Louis CITY SC this weekend, and paid tribute to his former Portugal U21 colleague Diogo Jota with his celebration.

1. Ankara Messi for Inter Miami

Despite Lionel Messi recently turning 38 years old, he demonstrated the same abilities he possessed as a 19-year-old with FC Barcelona, weaving through nearly half the field and leaving multiple defenders in his wake before netting the second of two goals. This brace marked his third consecutive double, making him the first MLS player to accomplish this since Thierry Henry with New York Red Bulls in 2012.