Messi marks comeback with two goals and assist in 3-1 win

Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from a lengthy absence, scoring twice and assisting once to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

Messi, back in action after a two-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America Final, made an immediate impact. The Argentine striker, making his first appearance since June 1, was instrumental in Miami’s win at Chase Stadium.

In the 26th minute, Messi opened the scoring with an assist from his former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez. Just four minutes later, Messi doubled Miami’s lead with another goal, this time from a back pass by Jordi Alba. Both goals came before half-time, putting Inter Miami ahead.

Despite not playing since June due to international duties and injury, Messi showed no signs of rust, scoring twice in a four-minute span to cancel out an early goal by Philadelphia. Inter Miami, who went 8-2 in Messi's absence and secured an MLS playoff spot, now lead the Supporters Shield table with 62 points.

Suarez, who had one assist and scored the third goal during stoppage time, made it 17 goals for the season. Messi’s first goal in the 26th minute equalised the score, as he expertly converted a pass from Suárez. He scored again in the 30th minute with a 15-yard shot past Philadelphia’s goalkeeper, Andrew Rick.

Suarez had a goal in the 44th minute disallowed after a VAR review showed an offside infraction. In the 67th minute, Messi was kicked by Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan while vying for the ball, but quickly resumed play after a brief pause. Both Sullivan and Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino received yellow cards for the incident.

Philadelphia, trailing 2-1, pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half but were ultimately undone by Messi’s assist to Suarez, who scored from 18 yards. Messi had previously scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 12 league matches before his absence.

The match began with a shock as Philadelphia’s Mikael Uhre scored just two minutes in. Messi had an early free-kick opportunity in the seventh minute, but it was cleared by Philadelphia’s defensive wall.

Both teams will continue their league campaigns with away fixtures on Wednesday. Inter Miami will face Atlanta, while Philadelphia will visit New York City FC.