Lionel Messi lauded after epic injury return by MLS teenager 23 YEARS younger than him

MLS wonderkid Cavan Sullivan lived out his dream as he met his "idol" Lionel Messi after the final whistle following the Argentine's virtuoso performance in Inter Miami's victory over the Philadelphia Union.

The World Cup winner demonstrated his class with a mesmerizing showing on his return from injury as he scored twice in the 3-1 win. The 37-year-old forward notched his brace during a four-minute masterclass - starting with the equalizer in the 28th minute after the Union went ahead after just 58 seconds.

His first strike of a memorable evening at Chase Stadium was a typical goal from Messi as he bamboozled an opposition defender before slotting the ball home with an accurate shot. Following on from this, he grabbed his second as he latched onto a cross to stroke into the Philadelphia net.

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The ex-Barcelona man also turned provider during injury time in the second half as he laid on an inviting pass for Luis Suarez to finish from outside the box. Having witnessed his hero in action from the opposition's bench in Florida, teenager Sullivan was among those left awestruck by the legendary superstar's efforts.

Following the game the starlet, who became the league's youngest ever player when he made his debut in July, was able to meet Messi and grab a photo with the winger. Taking to Instagram to savor the moment, the midfielder posted the snap, alongside the caption: "Such an honor to meet my idol."

Separated by 23 years, this meeting of talents of different eras demonstrated Messi's infleunce on the sport in locations around the world. The Pennsylvania-born prospect also posted a picture of him as a young child posing alongside one of the eight Ballon d'Or trophies that the ex-Camp Nou icon has won during his career.

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Reflecting on his return to the field following injury, Messi's joy was clear as he spoke about the game to Apple TV, saying: A little bit tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami but I wanted to return so much after such a long time away, adding: "I started training with the group and began to feel better.”

His head coach Tata Martino also heralded his talisman's performance after playing the whole game, while giving an update on the star's fitness: "What he did was more typical than other things that happened tonight. I am happy that he finished the game and completed the 90 minutes. He felt fine."

It appears that his return has also gone down a storm within the Miami locker room too, with teammate Julian Gressel expressing his jubilation that the forward is available for selection again. He added: "It’s nice to see that his injury has healed and that he’s as effective as he was before."