Lionel Messi’s return to action for Inter Miami proved pivotal on Saturday night as he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win against the Philadelphia Union. The victory pushed Inter Miami to first place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, cementing Messi’s ongoing impact since joining the South Florida side.
Messi, who had missed recent matches due to an adductor injury, entered the game in the 55th minute and wasted no time making his presence felt. Just two minutes after stepping onto the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner received a pass from teammate Luis Suárez on the right side of the penalty box.
Lionel Messi and company remain unbeaten I Inter Miami 2-1 Philadelphia I Highlights and goals I MLSMLS APPLE TV
In a dazzling display of precision and skill, Messi sent a right-footed shot past two defenders into the net, securing a 2-0 lead for Inter Miami. The goal marked Messi’s second in three MLS appearances this season, showcasing his consistent offensive contributions despite limited play.
The plan was in place
Head coach Javier Mascherano revealed post-match that the decision to ease Messi back into the lineup stemmed from a cautious approach to prevent aggravating his injury. “The idea was to have him play for 30-35 minutes… We didn’t want to risk him by starting him because we thought we’d run a risk in doing that,” Mascherano said during a press conference. Despite concerns, Messi completed the match without issue, a reassuring sign for Miami fans.
Messi has been managing injuries in recent weeks, including left thigh discomfort and the adductor strain sustained during a match against Atlanta. His recovery coincided with the FIFA window, allowing him to miss only Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers-an absence that did not prevent Argentina from securing a spot in the 2026 tournament. Messi’s return to fitness and his immediate impact on Saturday highlight his resilience and determination to perform at the highest level.
Inter Miami’s success has been fueled by Messi’s contributions both in MLS and international competitions. The team holds an impressive 4-0-1 record in league play and 8-0-1 overall when including victories in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Saturday’s victory further solidifies Miami’s status as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference.
