Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi had his hand in every goal against the Philadelphia Union in his return to MLS action on Saturday night.
Messi scored two goals in the first half and added an assist in the second to lead the team to its 3-1 victory. Messi played more than 90 minutes.
The 37-year-old last played for Inter Miami on June 1 before joining the Argentina national team for the Copa America tournament. He injured his ankle in the final versus Colombia on July 14.
“I’m happy that (Messi) was able to play 90 minutes and that he felt good,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said postgame. “The rest of his story is up to (the media) to tell.”
Messi’s first goal Saturday came in the 26th minute after a clever back fooled his marker at the top of the Union penalty area. He finished calmly with a right-footed shot into the low corner.
LIKE HE NEVER LEFT.
Leo Messi finds the equalizer for @InterMiamiCF in style. pic.twitter.com/sC08aAVGWI
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 15, 2024
Four minutes later, Messi scored from a first-time shot inside the box after Jordi Alba, like he has so many times before, found Messi as the Argentine darted towards the penalty spot.
With his two goals, Messi produced 15 scores and 15 assists in his first 19 MLS games, becoming the fastest player in league history to do so. He accomplished the feat in 10 games quicker than Sebastian Giovinco, the previous record holder.
Inter Miami was able to maintain their excellent form in Messi’s absence. With six regular-season games to play, Inter Miami holds a 10-point lead over second-place FC Cincinnati in both the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings.
Led by Luis Suarez’s 17 goals, Inter Miami is the clear favorite to win the MLS Cup title this season. Messi now has 14 goals and 13 assists on the year.
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(Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)
