Lionel Messi marked his return to action with a match-winning performance for Inter Miami on Saturday night, scoring within two minutes of coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union. The result lifts Miami to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, continuing their impressive early-season form.
Key Highlights:
Messi’s Instant Impact
After missing two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina due to an adductor and left thigh injury, lionel messi came off the bench in the 55th minute and needed just two minutes to make his mark. The Argentine maestro connected with Luis Suárez, made a quick move in the box, and drilled a right-footed shot past two defenders to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead.
It was Messi’s second goal in three MLS matches this season, continuing a streak of contributing to a goal in every appearance for the club.
Mascherano on Messi’s Recovery
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano explained the decision to bring Messi off the bench:
“The idea was to have him play for 30-35 minutes… Luckily he finished well, and that makes us very happy.”
Mascherano emphasized that the team didn’t want to risk further injury by starting Messi but is encouraged by how the forward responded.
Match Recap
- 23′ – Robert Taylor scored the opening goal for Inter Miami with assists from Benjamin Cremaschi and Jordi Alba.
- 57′ – Lionel Messi extended the lead to 2-0 with assists from Luis Suárez and Fafà Picault.
- 80′ – Dániel Gazdag pulled one back for Philadelphia Union, but Miami held on for the win.
Inter Miami are now 4-0-1 in MLS and 8-0-1 overall, including four wins in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
What’s Next for Messi and Inter Miami
Miami will face LAFC in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Mascherano confirmed Messi is expected to travel:
“If nothing weird happens, the plan is for him to travel. He wasn’t fit for 90 today, but it did him well to play 45.”
Lionel Messi’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Inter Miami, who now sit atop the Eastern Conference thanks to their talismanic forward’s clinical finish. As Miami prepare for a critical continental clash, fans will be hoping their captain continues his goal-scoring form on the road to silverware.
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