Lionel Messi scores twice on return as Inter Miami crush Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer – WATCH
Fort Lauderdale: Lionel Messi scored twice on return and assisted for a third as Inter Miami went past Philadelphia Union 3-1 quite comfortably in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday night. The Argentina World Cup winner didn’t play for Inter Miami since June 1 because of national team commitments before sustaining an ankle injury during the Copa America final on July 14.
Coming from a lengthy injury layoff, Messi resumed training a week ago and showed no rustiness with his show against Philadelphia Union. He scored twice in a four-minute span midway through the first half that negated an early goal by Philadelphia.
Without Messi, Inter Miami went 8-2 and clinched an MLS playoff spot. Miami (19-4-5) also took the lead in the Supporters Shield table with 62 points. Luis Suárez had one assist and clinched Miami’s win with a strike on Messi’s assist during second half stoppage time. It was Suarez’s 17th goal of the season.
Messi’s first goal in the 26th minute evened it at 1-all. Suarez sent a short pass near the large area, where Messi retrieved it, outmaneuvered Union defender Kai Wagner into the box and converted a shot that landed inside the left post.
DOBLETE DEL CAPITÁN pic.twitter.com/ZwVv9tILU0
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 15, 2024
Four minutes later, Messi received a crossing pass inside the box and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard shot. Suarez had a goal in the 44th minute overturned after a video review ruled an offside infraction by Inter Miami.
Messi’s mended ankle absorbed a kick by Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan in the 67th minute as both battled for a loose ball.
Messi fell to the ground and favored the ankle but quickly stood and continued playing. Match referee Sergii Boiko assessed yellow cards to Sullivan and Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, who argued for a stiffer infraction against Sullivan.
Seeking the equalizer, Philadelphia (7-12-9) pressured repeatedly throughout the second half before Messi centered a pass to Suarez and he converted from 18 yards. Before his absence, the 37-year-old Messi had 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 league matches this season.
Fans barely settled in when the Union’s Mikael Uhre stunned the home crowd with a goal two minutes into the match. Messi had his first scoring opportunity in the seventh minute with a free kick near the half circle that was cleared by a wall of Philadelphia defenders.
Both clubs continue league play with road matches on Wednesday. Inter Miami will visit Atlanta on Tuesday while the Union visit New York City FC on Tuesday.