FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In a highly anticipated return that sent a jolt of excitement through the world of sports, Lionel Messi proved once again why he is football’s enduring legend, spearheading Inter Miami CF to a crucial 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Saturday night. The Argentine maestro, making his comeback from a muscle injury, delivered a game-winning goal and a sublime assist, transforming a tense stalemate into a definitive statement from the Miami squad. This pivotal match, held at Chase Stadium, has significant implications for Inter Miami’s standing in the Eastern Conference and their broader ambitions this season.
The Anticipated Comeback
The air in Fort Lauderdale was thick with anticipation as fans gathered, eager for the latest news on the fitness of their captain. Messi had been sidelined for approximately two weeks, nursing a minor muscle injury in his right leg, an apparent hamstring strain, sustained during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph over Mexican side Necaxa on August 2. His absence was keenly felt in the two matches he missed, particularly in the jarring 4-1 MLS loss to Florida rivals Orlando City.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano had carefully managed Messi’s recovery, allowing him to return to training on August 13 with a planned 45-minute cameo against the Galaxy. “It had been something very small,” Mascherano stated of the injury, noting that Messi was “clearly not 100 percent comfortable” initially but loosened up as the minutes wore on. Despite lingering questions about his full recovery, the decision to bring him on at halftime proved to be a masterstroke, changing the complexion of the game entirely.
A Battle on the Pitch
The match itself was a tale of two halves, largely defined by Messi’s introduction. Inter Miami, despite dominating possession and outshooting the LA Galaxy by a staggering 28 to 5 margin, struggled to convert their chances for much of the game. The first breakthrough for the Miami side came late in the first half when veteran defender Jordi Alba, capitalizing on a perfectly weighted through ball from Sergio Busquets, found the back of the net in the 43rd minute, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
However, the defending MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy, despite their current struggle at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, showed resilience. Just 15 minutes into the second half, Joseph Paintsil sliced through the Inter Miami defense and equalized in the 59th minute, beating goalkeeper Oscar Ustari at the near post to level the score at 1-1. This parity set the stage for Messi’s inevitable moment of brilliance.
Messi’s Magical Influence
With the game hanging in the balance, Messi ignited the Chase Stadium faithful. In the 84th minute, he received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul outside the box, then embarked on a signature dribbling run, weaving past Lucas Sanabria and another defender before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area. The shot found the bottom corner of the net, restoring Inter Miami’s lead and sending the stadium into a frenzy. This pivotal goal was his 19th in 19 MLS appearances this season, solidifying his lead in the highly competitive Golden Boot race.
Not content with merely scoring, Messi delivered another moment of sheer artistry just five minutes later. In the 89th minute, he provided a breathtaking, no-look backheel assist to his long-time teammate Luis Suárez, who calmly slotted home Inter Miami’s third goal, sealing the 3-1 victory. This was Suárez’s sixth regular season goal, and Messi’s 10th (or 11th, depending on source) assist of the MLS campaign, further underscoring the formidable partnership between the former Barcelona stars.
Eastern Conference Implications and Beyond
This crucial win not only served as a resounding response to their recent defeat against Orlando City but also propelled Inter Miami into a stronger position in the Eastern Conference standings. The three points secured move the Miami squad to fourth place with 45 points from 24 games. While they remain six points behind the conference leaders, the Philadelphia Union, Inter Miami holds three games in hand, offering a clear path to climb even higher. The result also nudges the Herons closer to contention for the Supporters’ Shield, demonstrating their intent in the top-flight of sports in the USA.
Messi’s immediate impact on the game, despite his recent injury, reinforces his status not just as the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player but also as a leading candidate for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. His ability to influence games single-handedly, even when not at 100% fitness, is a testament to his unparalleled skill and vision. As Javier Mascherano noted, the important thing was that Messi finished the match, and he looked better as the minutes progressed.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces another significant challenge this week, hosting Liga MX powerhouse Tigres UANL in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal on August 20. The team’s newfound momentum, fueled by their star’s triumphant return, will be vital as they navigate a congested schedule involving multiple high-stakes competitions. The latest news from the Inter Miami camp suggests a renewed confidence, promising an exciting period for football fans in Miami and beyond.
