Lionel Messi Nets Stunning Goal After Injury Return, Brings Back Barca Vibes With Luis Suarez As Inter Miami Sinks LA Galaxy 3-1

Luis Suárez celebrates with Rodrigo de Paul and Lionel Messi after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy (Credit: AP)

After missing two games due to injury, Lionel Messi triumphantly returned to the field, scoring Inter Miami's second goal to put his team ahead of LA Galaxy. Javier Mascherano stated that Messi was feeling well and would start on the bench a few days prior to the game. The Argentine returned in the second half with forty-five minutes left, with Jordi Alba's goal giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.

After an incredible performance by Joseph Paintsil, the LA Galaxy equalised in the 59th minute, tying the score. However, Messi still had plenty of time to perform as he usually does.

Messi's Goal Gives Miami Lead After his countryman Rodrigo De Paul passed to him, Messi shrugged off two defenders and struck hard from outside the box, leaving goalie Novak Micovic with little chance. The Argentine currently has 19 goals, which puts him at the top of the MLS scoring leaderboard.

Messi Assists Suarez Messi would have more brilliant moments during the game than that, though. Reminiscent of their Barcelona days, he set up Luis Suarez for the game's final goal in the 89th minute with an amazing back-heel assist, ensuring a 3-1 triumph.

Despite playing three less games because of their involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami now ranks fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind leaders Philadelphia Union.

The Leagues Cup quarterfinal matchup between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL will present Messi with his next test. In order to assist the Argentine restore match fitness and be in peak form for the next encounter, coach Javier Mascherano had planned to give him some minutes against LA Galaxy.

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