Lionel Messi made a stunning return from injury scoring two goals and providing an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had been sidelined since injuring his right ankle in the Copa America final on July 14.
Messi’s return to the starting lineup was seamless, despite admitting post-match, “The truth is that I’m a little tired. The heat and humidity in Miami don’t help much either, but I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time.” He added, “Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy — very happy.”
Philadelphia took an early lead through Mikael Uhre’s second-minute goal, but Messi equalized in the 26th minute. He collected a pass from Luis Suarez, beat defender Kai Wagner, and unleashed a right-footed shot.
Just four minutes later, Messi fired Inter ahead, connecting with Jordi Alba and scoring from the center of the area. Suarez thought he had added a third before halftime, but the goal was overturned on VAR review.
However, Suarez sealed the victory with a goal deep in second-half injury time, courtesy of an assist from Messi. Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino justified keeping both players on until the end, saying, “Both played the whole game because they were fine to finish the game.”
The win extends Inter Miami’s lead at the top of the MLS standings to 62 points, 10 points clear of FC Cincinnati with six games remaining. Messi expressed delight at returning to action and maintaining their lead in the Supporters’ Shield race.
With six games left in the regular season, Messi’s return to form and fitness will be crucial for Inter Miami’s title aspirations. His impressive performance has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the MLS season.
