Former Man United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic posts Instagram message celebrating getting the better of Lionel Messi

Former Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic gloated on social media after helping Al Hilal defeat Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

The Serbian played a starring role in Al Hilal's 4-3 victory over the MLS side in a friendly match played on Monday evening.

The game formed part of Miami’s pre-season preparations ahead of the start of the MLS season next month while Al Hilal are gearing up for the resumption of the Saudi Pro League.

The clash was far from a procession as both sides lined up their big guns at the sold-out Kingdom Arena.

Unsurprisingly, Messi was the star attraction of the evening and the home crowd were given a treat when he converted from the penalty spot in the second half.

His goal followed a first-half leveller from former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez.

But neither star could do anything to see off the Saudi Pro League leaders with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Brazilian winger Malcom among the scorers on the night.

Milinkovic-Savic, a £34million signing from Lazio last summer, took to Instagram after the match to bask in his side’s achievement in getting one over on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Alongside an image of himself in action he wrote: “Welcome to the new Kingdom Stadium. Finally back to what we do best: WINNING!!”

The 28-year-old midfielder may get used to that winning feeling as Al Hilal hold a seven-point lead over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the race for the title.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami continue their pre-season schedule with three more money-spinning friendlies.

Tata Martino’s men face a Hong Kong XI on February 4 before taking on Andres Iniesta’s former club Vissel Kobe but the big one comes on Thursday as they meet Al Nassr in another Messi vs Ronaldo showdown.

Messi will then face off against boyhood club Newells Old Boys at home on February 15.

All eyes will be on Miami this season after the high-profile signings of former Barcelona quartet Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

After winning their first trophy in franchise history last season, the Leagues Cup, Messi and co will be expected to kick on this season with a place in the MLS play-offs deemed a minimum expectancy.