Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the pitch after missing two games due to injury, scoring Inter Miami’s second goal to give his team the lead over LA Galaxy.
Days before the match, Javier Mascherano said Messi was feeling well and would start on the bench. With the game 1-0 in Inter Miami’s favor thanks to a goal from Jordi Alba, the Argentine made his return in the second half with 45 minutes remaining.
At the 59th minute, LA Galaxy equalized following a brilliant play from Joseph Paintsil, leveling the score. But there was still plenty of time for Messi to shine as he usually does.
Receiving a pass from his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul, Messi shrugged off two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Novak Micovic with no chance. With this goal, the Argentine now leads the MLS scoring chart with 19 goals.
However, that wouldn’t be Messi’s only moment of brilliance in the match. In the 89th minute, he delivered an incredible back-heel assist to Luis Suarez, reminiscent of their Barcelona days, setting up the Uruguayan to score the game’s final goal, sealing a 3-1 victory.
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What’s next for Inter Miami and Messi?
With this victory, Inter Miami sits fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, though the team has played three fewer matches due to their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup.
Messi’s next challenge will come in the Leagues Cup, where Inter Miami will face Tigres UANL in the quarterfinals. Coach Javier Mascherano’s plan was to give the Argentine some minutes against LA Galaxy to help him regain match fitness and arrive in top form for the upcoming clash.
