Lionel Messi’s Impactful Return: A Game-Changer for Inter Miami
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The magic of Lionel Messi was on full display once again as he made a triumphant return to the pitch for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. In a thrilling 2-1 victory, Messi’s presence was felt almost immediately, as he scored the decisive goal that catapulted the South Florida team into the top spot of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
Messi, who had been sidelined due to an adductor injury, made his return to the lineup with a bang. Subbing into the match early in the second half, it took him less than two minutes to find the back of the net. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner received a pass from Luis Suárez on the right side of the penalty box. With his signature quick move, Messi sent a right-footed shot past two Philadelphia defenders, securing a 2-0 lead for Inter Miami.
This goal marked Messi’s second in just three Major League Soccer matches this season, a testament to his enduring prowess on the field. Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, had been cautious about Messi’s return, aiming to ease him back into action without risking further injury. Messi had missed two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina due to the injury.
“We wanted Leo to have minutes,” Mascherano explained during a news conference. “The idea was to have him play for 30-35 minutes, with the added time he played more but he feels good. We didn’t want to risk him by starting him because we thought we’d run a risk in doing that. Luckily he finished well, and that makes us very happy.”
Messi’s injury woes included an issue with his left thigh, which occurred two weeks ago in an Inter Miami game against Atlanta. Fortunately, Miami did not have any matches during the FIFA window, so the only games Messi missed were the World Cup qualifiers. During this time, Argentina, with Messi as captain, qualified for the 2026 tournament.
Messi’s return to the field was nothing short of spectacular. Entering the game in the 55th minute, he scored in the 57th. His contributions have been consistent, with at least one goal contribution in all three MLS matches he has played this season for Inter Miami. The team boasts a record of 4-0-1 in MLS play and 8-0-1 overall this season, including four victories in Concacaf Champions Cup matches.
Inter Miami initially took the lead in the 23rd minute, with a goal by Robert Taylor, assisted by Benjamin Cremaschi and Jordi Alba. Messi replaced Taylor and quickly extended the lead to 2-0, with assists from Suarez and Fafà Picault.
Despite a late goal by Dániel Gazdag for Philadelphia in the 80th minute, Inter Miami held on to secure the victory. Philadelphia’s record now stands at 4-2-0.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is gearing up to face LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup series on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. Mascherano expressed optimism about Messi’s participation, stating, “The plan is for him to recuperate and travel to Los Angeles. Today, the time that he played, he played because he was good. We didn’t risk him. He wasn’t for the full 90, but it did him well to play the 45 minutes including added time and if nothing weird happens, the plan is for him to travel.”
Inter Miami’s journey to the quarterfinals included a victory over Cavalier FC in the round of 16, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against LAFC.
Originally Written by: ESPN
