Andres Iniesta pinpoints key reasons for Lionel Messi's scintillating form at Inter Miami after seeing ex-Barcelona team-mate find 'happiness' again with MLS club

The World Cup-winning Argentina skipper has displayed exceptional form of late as he scored five goals in the three matches Inter Miami played in October. He netted a hat-trick in their final match of the MLS regular season as his team outclassed the New England Revolution to bag the Supporters' Shield with a record points tally.

With the Argentine still going strong at the twilight of his career, his former Barcelona team-mate Iniesta has revealed the secret behind the 37-year-old's purple patch in America. Iniesta recently brought the curtain down on his illustrious career at the age of 40.

Speaking to ESPN, the former Spain midfielder said: "I would say he has found an environment where he feels comfortable, where he feels at ease. I would say that what is reflected on the field is the happiness with which he is living that project until the day he decides to stop."

He added: "Leo is football in its purest form. What Leo represents as a footballer is football, which is what he does best. He knows how to interpret everything to perfection."

The Herons will now aim to add the MLS Cup to their trophy cabinet, with Messi and Co due back in action against Atalanta United on Friday in the first round of the playoffs.