Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action on Saturday, leading Inter Miami to a commanding 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi, who had been sidelined since mid-July with a right ankle injury suffered during the Copa America final, wasted no time reminding fans of his brilliance by scoring twice and providing an assist in a stellar performance.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had missed eight MLS matches during his recovery, as well as Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers. Despite his prolonged absence, Messi seamlessly slotted back into the starting lineup, demonstrating the same form that has made him one of the greatest footballers of all time. After the game, Messi expressed his eagerness to return, saying, “I really wanted to come back. It was tough being off the field for such a long time, but I’m thrilled with how everything turned out.”
Philadelphia Union took an early lead, silencing the home crowd just two minutes into the match when Mikael Uhre unleashed a powerful shot that beat Miami’s goalkeeper. The early goal rattled Inter Miami, but it wasn’t long before Messi took control of the game, turning the momentum in his team’s favor.
In the 26th minute, Messi’s magic surfaced as he linked up with Luis Suarez to score Miami’s first goal. Suarez delivered a precise pass to Messi, who skillfully beat a defender and placed the ball into the net, leveling the score. Just four minutes later, Messi struck again, this time converting a cross from Jordi Alba with his left foot, putting Miami ahead 2-1. The combination between Messi, Suarez, and Alba showcased their chemistry and their ability to change the course of the match in an instant.
The game nearly saw Miami extend their lead before halftime, but Suarez’s goal was overturned following a VAR review. Despite the setback, Messi and Suarez continued to drive the attack, with Messi serving as the creative force behind nearly every dangerous play Miami produced. Their persistence paid off in injury time, as Suarez found the net once again, this time assisted by Messi, securing a comfortable 3-1 victory for Inter Miami.
With his assist on Suarez’s goal, Messi set an MLS milestone, becoming the fastest player to notch 15 goals and 15 assists in just 19 matches. The 37-year-old continues to defy expectations, proving that he can still deliver world-class performances in the twilight of his career. His ability to seamlessly transition back into top form after missing significant time demonstrates not only his talent but also his determination to succeed.
After the match, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino praised Messi’s return, acknowledging his star player’s impact on the game. “He was brilliant tonight. Coming off a long break, you’d expect him to take some time to settle in, but he was sharp from the very start,” Martino said. The coach also emphasized the importance of keeping Messi and Suarez on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, explaining that both players were “feeling good” and capable of finishing the game strong.
The victory was crucial for Inter Miami, extending their lead at the top of the MLS standings to 62 points—10 points clear of their nearest challengers, FC Cincinnati. With six games remaining in the regular season, Miami is now in pole position to secure the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best overall record. Messi spoke with pride about the team’s accomplishments, stating, “We’ve had our share of bad luck with injuries this season, but despite everything, we’ve managed to stay at the top. We deserve to be in first place, and hopefully, we can finish there.”
ALSO READ
- Africa’s Fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala Now Ranked 2nd Fastest in the World
- Al Ahly Dismantles Gor Mahia with a 3-0 Defeat at Nyayo Stadium
- Mastering Live Betting in Kenya: Your Ultimate Guide to In-Play with JamboBet
In addition to Miami’s success, Messi’s individual performance has reignited his campaign for the MLS Golden Boot. His two goals in the match bring his season total to 14, putting him firmly in contention for the league’s top scorer title. Messi’s longtime teammate, Luis Suarez, is also in the running, with 17 goals to his name, just two behind the league’s current leader, Christian Benteke of DC United.
As Inter Miami continues their push toward postseason glory, Messi’s return comes at a pivotal moment. His presence on the field not only boosts his team’s chances of winning silverware but also serves as a reminder of the profound influence he has on every game he plays. With Messi and Suarez firing on all cylinders, Inter Miami is well-positioned to finish the season on a high note and make a deep run in the playoffs.
