Messi Scores Quickfire Goal as Substitute, Leads Inter Miami to Victory Over Philadelphia Union
Lionel Messi made a sensational return to action for Inter Miami on Saturda, scoring just two minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-1 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Union, as per Al Jazeera.
The goal was Messi’s second of the season, showcasing his immediate impact on the team.
The Argentinian star, 37, had been sidelined with an adductor strain, forcing him to miss Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifiers. He picked up the injury in Miami’s previous Major League Soccer (MLS) game, a 2-1 win against Atlanta on March 16.
Inter Miami initially took the lead in the 23rd minute, courtesy of Finnish winger Robert Taylor. Taylor slotted home a low pass from Benjamin Cremaschi after a dynamic run down the left flank by Jordi Alba.
In the 55th minute, coach Javier Mascherano introduced Messi to the game, and the impact was instantaneous. Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez, found him on the right side of the field. Messi skillfully created space for himself before unleashing a low, right-footed shot that found the far corner of the net.
Philadelphia Union pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when Quinn Sullivan delivered a cross from the right. Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag controlled the ball before firing a precise shot into the Miami goal.
Despite the late goal from Philadelphia, Inter Miami held on to secure the victory and remain unbeaten. They now sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with four wins from their first five games of the season.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces a demanding schedule, starting with a trip to Los Angeles to face LAFC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. They will then host Toronto on Sunday before traveling back to Los Angeles for the return leg against LAFC three days later.
Coach Mascherano explained that the decision to start Messi on the bench was a cautious one, designed to manage his fitness after his recent injury.
