Lionel Messi Makes Triumphant Return, Powers Inter Miami to 3-1 Victory
In a thrilling display of skill and endurance, Lionel Messi marked his highly anticipated return to the pitch with a stellar performance, leading Inter Miami to a convincing 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium on Saturday night.
After a two-month hiatus due to a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final on July 14, Messi made an impressive comeback, scoring two goals and providing one assist while playing a full 90 minutes.
His last appearance for Inter Miami was on June 1 in an MLS match against St. Louis City.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino credited Messi’s ability to make a difference at any point in the game for his decision to keep him on the pitch for the full duration.
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Messi told Apple TV after the match.
“A little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help much, but I really wanted to get back, it was a lot of time off the field.”
“Little by little I found myself with the group, I felt good and that’s why we decided that I would start. I am very happy.”
Martino said:
“I’m happy that he finished the game well, that he was able to complete 90 minutes, that he felt good.”
“Messi and [Luis] Suarez both played the entire game, because they were good to finish the game.
The reality is that it is very difficult to remove players who are so differential because they appear and resolve at any time.
In the position we were in and everything we have ahead of us, the risk is one to take.
That is to say, we no longer have the obligation to think about the playoffs because we have already achieved it.
Now we have to think about the achievements that can occur in the short term. And the risks, I’m not saying excessively, but we are going to take the risks.”
Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in 19 games.
Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record, completing the feat in 29 games.
Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points in 28 games and a 19-4-5 record.
The team remains on course to break the league’s record for most points in a regular season.
Messi’s return to form will undoubtedly boost Inter Miami’s chances in the MLS standings.
