Lionel Messi puts on another MLS masterclass as he scores two and assists Sergio Busquets to help Inter Miami beat Nashville 3-1

Lionel Messi scored twice and laid on an assist for Sergio Busquets as he dominated again in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Nashville on Saturday night.

Messi, who grabbed his second brace in MLS after also scoring two against Orlando on March 2, now has a goal or assist in each of the six league matches he's played this season.

Busquets grabbed his first goal for Inter Miami since reuniting with his former Barcelona teammate Messi last summer.

Miami is now unbeaten in five matches against Nashville since Messi's arrival and they also held onto first place in the Eastern Conference.

But Tata Martino's team did make it hard for themselves and, for the second consecutive week, conceded a goal in the opening minutes.

An own goal by Miami defender Franco Neri put Nashville ahead. Neri, standing in for the injured Jordi Alba, deflected Daniel Lovitz's corner into the Miami net in the second minute.

Miami erased the early deficit with goals from Messi and Busquets in the 11th and 39th minutes.

Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco deflected Messi's 12-yard shot to an open Luis Suarez, who immediately tapped it to Messi. With Panicco out of position, Messi converted a sliding shot inside the six-yard box for the equalizer.

Busquets then scored the equalizer as he headed Messi's corner kick to the near post past Panicco.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender kept Miami ahead when he made a diving save to keep out Hany Mukhtar's long-range strike in the 55th minute.

Messi gave Miami a two-goal cushion when he converted on a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

Nashville's Josh Bauer fouled Leo Alfonso on the edge of the penalty then Messi beat reserve goalkeeper Joe Willis inside the left post.

Miami will visit New England next Saturday, while Nashville hosts San Jose.