Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury on Saturday night, scoring the game-winning goal for Inter Miami in a 3-1 victory over the defending MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy. The Argentine superstar, who had been sidelined for two games with a hamstring injury, came off the bench at halftime and immediately injected energy into the Herons' attack.
Messi's injury occurred early in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Mexican club Necaxa on August 2. He missed the subsequent Leagues Cup game against Pumas UNAM and the MLS loss to Orlando City. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano described the injury as "minor" and closely monitored Messi's recovery.
Despite concerns about his fitness, Messi was determined to play against the Galaxy. Mascherano planned to give him 45 minutes to ease him back into game shape. The crowd at Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who also missed training time due to visa issues, entered the match at the start of the second half.
The game was tied 1-1 when Messi took matters into his own hands in the 84th minute. He received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, dribbled past several defenders, and unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net. The stadium erupted as Messi celebrated his 19th goal of the MLS season, putting him ahead of Nashville SC's Sam Surridge in the Golden Boot race.
Five minutes later, Messi turned provider, delivering a back-heel assist to Luis Suarez, who scored his first open-play goal in 12 matches to seal the victory. Jordi Alba had given Inter Miami the lead in the first half with a goal assisted by Sergio Busquets. Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.
Mascherano acknowledged that Messi wasn't 100 percent comfortable but grew stronger as the game progressed. He will be further evaluated to determine his condition for the upcoming Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL.
With the win, Inter Miami moved up in the Eastern Conference standings, closing the gap on the Philadelphia Union. The team is also preparing for the Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres on Wednesday. Messi's return is a significant boost as Inter Miami aims to compete for both the MLS Supporters' Shield and the Leagues Cup title.
The victory over the Galaxy was vital for Inter Miami after a recent 4-1 defeat to Orlando City. Despite the Galaxy being the defending MLS Cup champions, they are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, emphasized the importance of managing Messi's workload to keep him healthy for the remainder of the season.
