Lionel Messi dazzled on his return from injury, netting twice and setting up another in a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The Argentine legend had not played since damaging his ankle during the Copa America final on July 14 and had missed eight MLS matches for his club.
Messi had equalized in the 26th, combining with Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba before firing a right-foot shot past defender Kai Wagner. Four minutes later, Messi struck again, finishing a cross from Alba with a left-foot shot that gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead in the 30th.
Philadelphia had taken an early lead through Mikael Uhre as early as the second minute, but Messi’s brilliance turned the game around. Suarez did have a goal ruled out by VAR before halftime but made up for it deep into injury time with a strike that sealed the win after Messi’s assist.
Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino hailed Messi’s performance, while saying: “Both players were fine to finish the game.” The win stretched Miami’s advantage at the summit of MLS to 62 points, 10 clear of FC Cincinnati.
That means he now has 14 in just 13 MLS games, to make him a contender for the top scorer. Suarez is on 17, two behind current leader Christian Benteke of DC United.
Messi’s return could prove huge as Miami push for the Supporters’ Shield and look to finish the season on a high.
