Lionel Messi’s long-awaited comeback ended with three exclamation marks from the Argentine. Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 3:1
The Argentine world champion put in a strong performance on his return for Inter Miami. The world footballer scored two goals in four minutes in the 3-1 win over Philadelphia and set up the third through Luis Suarez.
Messi had recently been sidelined for two months with an ankle injury and missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches as a result.
Double pack and game turned
The 37-year-old returned to the pitch against Philadelphia and once again showed his class. After the visitors took an early lead through Mikael Uhre (2), Messi equalized in the 26th minute and gave them the lead shortly afterwards (30). Messi was on the pitch for the entire match and set up Suarez for the final goal in stoppage time (90th/+8th).
“I’m a bit tired,” said Messi after the game. “The heat and humidity in Miami don’t help, but I really wanted to get back, I haven’t been on the pitch for a long time.” Messi has 14 goals after 13 appearances this season
First appearance since June 1
Messi was injured in the Copa America final on July 14, when Argentina defeated Colombia to win the title. The South American played his first MLS game since June 1 against Philadelphia.
The win in front of 19,000 fans at home in Chase Stadium extended Miami’s lead in the Eastern Conference to ten points, with FC Cincinnati in second place. With six games remaining in the main round, Inter have already qualified for the play-offs.
Messi’s German teammate Julian Gressel was in the starting eleven for Miami, while his compatriot Kai Wagner played through for Philadelphia.