Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been set a history-making challenge for 2025, with Javier Mascherano targeting MLS Cup glory.

With a Lionel Messi brace and goals from Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, the Herons returned to MLS action with a win.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano hailed his team's performance in their Club World Cup round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain but labelled the first half as a 'bloodbath' as the MLS side went down 4-0 against the European champions. Joao Neves led the way with a brace and Achraf Hakimi was also on target, while Tomas Aviles scored an own goal as Inter Miami were decimated before the interval.

GOAL takes a look at what makes the rising midfielder one of the hottest commodities in MLS, and why his future is in Europe

The Herons face the Champions League winners in Sunday’s Club World Cup Round of 16 showdown.