Messi Marks Return With Late Goal in Inter Miami Win Over Galaxy

Lionel Messi came off the bench to make a decisive impact as Inter Miami defeated reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday night, Sport360NG reports.

Back in action after recovering from a minor hamstring issue, the 38-year-old Argentine superstar found the net in the 84th minute before setting up Luis Suárez for Miami’s third goal five minutes later.

Messi had missed Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Pumas UNAM and last weekend’s league loss to Orlando City, but coach Javier Mascherano confirmed his gradual return was carefully managed.
“It was a very small issue,” Mascherano explained. “He had three good training sessions before this match, and we planned to give him around 45 minutes so he could regain rhythm. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but the important thing is that he finished the match.”

The game had earlier seen Jordi Alba fire Miami ahead just before halftime, only for Joseph Paintsil to level for the Galaxy in the 59th minute. Messi’s strike restored Miami’s advantage, and his late assist for Suárez sealed the victory.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 19 goals and 10 assists from 19 league appearances this season, continuing his influential role since arriving in MLS last year. Miami, who lifted the Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after Messi’s debut, are into this year’s quarter-finals and face Tigres on Wednesday.

“Leo always wants to play,” Mascherano added. “He’s happiest on the pitch, and even when we try to hold him back, he knows his body better than anyone. Today was about giving him minutes so he’s ready for what’s ahead.”

The victory keeps Miami fourth in the Eastern Conference, six points off leaders Philadelphia but with three games in hand.

Elsewhere, Son Heung-min celebrated his first MLS start with a win as LAFC triumphed 2-0 at New England. The former Tottenham forward set up Mathieu Choiniere’s stoppage-time strike after Marco Delgado had opened the scoring early in the second half. LAFC sit fifth in the Western Conference, nine points behind leaders San Diego with two matches still to play.