Lionel Messi marked his return from a hamstring injury with a stunning goal and an assist, propelling Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the defending Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions, the LA Galaxy. The Argentine superstar, who had been sidelined for two games after suffering the injury on August 2nd in a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, came off the bench at halftime to ignite Miami's attack.
The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, saw Jordi Alba put Inter Miami ahead late in the first half, finishing a through ball from Sergio Busquets. However, the Galaxy responded in the 59th minute when Joseph Paintsil sliced through the defense to equalize. With the score tied, Messi entered the game and immediately made his presence felt.
In the 84th minute, Messi received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, skillfully evaded two defenders, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner of the net. The goal, Messi's 19th of the season, restored Miami's lead and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It also keeps him atop the MLS scoring charts. Just five minutes later, Messi capped off his brilliant performance with a back-heel assist to Luis Suarez, who sealed the victory for Inter Miami. This was Suarez's first open-play goal in 12 matches.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his understanding of Messi's desire to play every game. Despite concerns about his recent injury, Mascherano recognized Messi's exceptional understanding of his own body and fitness. Giving Messi some playing time against the Galaxy was a strategic decision to help him regain his sharpness.
This victory is crucial for Inter Miami as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings. The team currently ranks fourth in the conference, six points behind leaders Philadelphia, but with three games in hand. The win also served as a strong response to their recent 4-1 defeat against Orlando City.
Messi's return and match-winning performance have not only boosted Inter Miami's morale but have also reaffirmed his status as one of the league's top players. His 19 goals lead the MLS, and his 10 assists demonstrate his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. Inter Miami will play the Tigres in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.
