Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the pitch after an extended absence, scoring two goals and assisting on a third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
The Argentine star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had been sidelined since June 1 due to national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.
“A little bit tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami but I wanted to return so much after such a long time away,” Messi said in Spanish on the Apple TV broadcast after the game. “I started training with the group and began to feel better.”
Messi, who resumed practicing three weeks ago, displayed none of the rust or ill effects from his injury. He netted two goals within a four-minute span midway through the first half, overturning an early lead by Philadelphia.
“What he did was more typical than other things that happened tonight,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said in Spanish. “I am happy that he finished the game and completed the 90 minutes. He felt fine.”
Without Messi, Miami achieved a strong 8-2 record and secured an MLS playoff spot. Miami now leads the Supporters Shield table with 62 points, sporting a record of 19-4-5.
“It’s nice to see that his injury has healed and that he’s as effective as he was before,” Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel said.
Luis Suárez contributed an assist and sealed Miami’s win with a strike on Messi’s assist during second-half stoppage time, marking his 17th goal of the season.
Messi’s first goal in the 26th minute leveled the score at 1-all. Suárez delivered a short pass near the large area, where Messi collected it, outmaneuvered Union defender Kai Wagner, and converted a shot that landed inside the left post.
Four minutes later, Messi received a crossing pass inside the box and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a precise 15-yard shot.
A potential goal for Suárez in the 44th minute was overturned after a video review found an offside infraction.
“As the game progressed we ran the risk of not controlling the ball,” Martino said. “From the last 30 minutes of the first half we managed to handle the ball better.”
Messi’s recuperating ankle took a hit from Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan in the 67th minute during a contest for a loose ball. Messi quickly stood and continued playing, while referee Sergii Boiko issued yellow cards to Sullivan and Martino, the latter for arguing the severity of the infraction.
Desperate for an equalizer, Philadelphia (7-12-9) continuously pressured throughout the second half. However, Messi sealed their fate by centering a pass to Suárez, who converted from 18 yards.
Prior to his absence, the 37-year-old Messi tallied 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 league matches this season.
Fans were barely seated when Union forward Mikael Uhre shocked the home crowd with a goal just two minutes into the match.
Messi had his first scoring chance in the seventh minute, with a free-kick near the half-circle that was deflected by a wall of Philadelphia defenders.
Inter Miami’s victory came at a cost. Defender David Martinez left early in the first half due to a groin injury, and his replacement Noah Allen was also removed following a blow to the head.
“We have to take it day by day and see how they recover and how they feel,” Martino said.
Both clubs will continue league play on the road on Wednesday. Inter Miami will visit Atlanta, while the Union will visit New York City FC.
