Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring twice in just four minutes during Inter Miami’s clash against the Philadelphia Union. Fans were left in awe as Messi’s performance reminded everyone why he’s still considered one of the best players in the world. This game marked his first MLS appearance in over three months following an ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa America campaign in July.
Lionel Messi’s first goal came in the 26th minute, with Inter Miami trailing 1-0. After a well-coordinated play involving his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi received the ball and expertly spun past a defender before slotting it into the bottom-left corner. Just four minutes later, Lionel Messi found the back of the net again, this time connecting with Alba’s precise pass. Lionel Messi’s left foot delivered once more, sending the ball into the opposite corner of his first goal and giving Miami a 2-1 lead.
A Seamless Reunion with Barcelona Teammates: Messi, Alba, and Suarez
Messi’s partnership with his former Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, was on full display during his dazzling return. The trio’s chemistry was undeniable, leading to both of Messi’s goals that evening. For his first goal, Alba initiated the play with a sharp dribble down the middle before connecting with Suarez. In a moment of pure class, Suarez delivered a perfect one-touch pass to Lionel Messi, who finished with precision.
The second goal was another product of the former Barcelona connection. Alba, once again, set up the play with a well-timed grass-cutting pass from the corner of the penalty box. After the ball bypassed Suarez, Lionel Messi calmly placed it in the net with his iconic left foot. The quick brace not only thrilled the Miami crowd but also demonstrated the enduring brilliance of these former Barcelona stars working together on the field.
Lionel Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami’s Standings and MLS Performance
With these two goals, Messi now sits in a three-way tie for fourth place in MLS goal-scoring, alongside FC Dallas’ Petar Musa and Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag. Despite missing 13 games due to injury, Lionel Messi’s stats this season remain impressive, with 12 goals and 13 assists in just 11 appearances. His first-half brace against Philadelphia boosted his tally, placing him among the top scorers in the league and third in assists behind Portland’s Evander.
Inter Miami’s dominance in MLS continues, with the team comfortably sitting atop the league standings at 28-19, with 62 points. In the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati trails Messi’s side by 10 points, while LA Galaxy leads the Western Conference with 52 points. Messi’s return to form could solidify Miami’s push for the top, adding further excitement to what has already been an extraordinary season for the Argentine legend and his MLS side.
MLS Action Heats Up: LA Galaxy Stun Rivals LAFC
In other MLS action, the Los Angeles Galaxy pulled off a remarkable comeback to beat their city rivals, LAFC, 4-2 in a thrilling encounter between the top two teams in the Western Conference. LAFC initially took control with a two-goal lead, but the Galaxy rallied with four unanswered goals to secure the win. The dramatic victory not only strengthened Galaxy’s position in the standings but also intensified the competition in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s win, propelled by Messi’s stunning performance, further solidified their dominance in the MLS Eastern Conference. With Messi back in the squad, Miami looks poised for a strong finish to the season, with their star player’s form likely to be a decisive factor in their quest for silverware
