Argentine superstar Lionel Messi had not played for Inter Miami in more than three months and marked his return on September 15, 2024 with an outstanding performance.
The Argentine traveled to the Copa América in June, but he in the final suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of action.
Following a protracted recuperation period, he made his comeback to Inter Miami, having a hand in all three goals in his first game back.
Messi shines in Inter Miami 3-1 Philadelphia Union
Messi began the game alongside Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets—his former Barcelona teammates—as Miami hosted the Philadelphia Union.
Inter Miami made a defensive blunder in the second minute, giving the visitors an early advantage.
On the other hand, Messi scored a brilliant goal with the help of Suárez in the 26th minute to tie the score.
Four minutes later, Messi was set up by Jordi Alba, another former Barça player, with a low cross, and the Argentinean finished the opportunity flawlessly.
The game was sealed in the eighth minute of added time in the second half when Suárez scored after Messi passed.
Messi close to history
Messi needs two more goals to tie the record for most goals scored by Inter Miami.
After scoring two goals for Inter Miami in their 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, he currently has 27 goals, two fewer than Gonzalo Higuaín’s club record of 29 goals all-time.
Messi has scored 10 goals in the Leagues Cup, 15 in Major League Soccer, and 2 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
