LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury on Saturday night, scoring a decisive late goal and assisting another to seal Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine star, who had missed the last two matches with a right hamstring injury, entered at the start of the second half and immediately shifted the momentum. After several near misses, Messi broke through in the 84th minute, weaving past defenders with his trademark dribbling before firing a left-footed strike from distance that put Miami ahead 2-1. Just minutes later, he delivered a dazzling back-heel assist to longtime teammate Luis Suárez, securing the two-goal cushion that put the game out of reach.
Messi’s goal was his 19th of the MLS season, keeping him atop the league’s scoring chart and propelling Miami back into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The victory was crucial after Miami’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Orlando last week that had dropped them to sixth place.
Earlier in the match, Jordi Alba opened the scoring in the first half, finishing a sharp through ball from Sergio Busquets. The Galaxy equalized in the 59th minute through Joseph Paintsil, but Messi’s late surge proved decisive.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s impact but acknowledged the need to monitor his recovery. “The important thing is that he finished the match,” Mascherano said through an interpreter, noting that Messi appeared to loosen up as the game progressed despite occasionally stretching his right leg. The team will evaluate him further on Sunday.
The result deepened the struggles of defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy, who remain anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
