Lionel Messi made a statement in his return game with Inter Miami, scoring two goals in four minutes for his MLS side. Messi stepped back on the pitch for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's Copa America title-winning game over Colombia in July. The Argentine sent South Beach fans on their feet, scoring a quick brace to help Miami take the lead over the Philadelphia Union. His first goal came in the 26th minute with the Herons down 1-0. Jordi Alba dribbled the ball down the middle before connecting with Luis Suarez. The former Barcelona trio completed the play after Suarez played a perfect one-touch pass around a Union defender. The ball ended up on Messi's feet, who touched the ball into space, spun his defender, and slotted the ball to the bottom-left corner. Less than four minutes later, Alba and Messi connected again to break the 1-1 deadlock. The Spanish fullback found himself open on the corner of the penalty box before playing a grass-cutting pass inside. After the ball skipped Suarez, Messi beat the opposition with his magical left foot, sending it to the opposite corner of his first goal. Messi came into the game with 12 goals and 13 assists in 11 appearances for Inter Miami this season. The Argentine's last MLS outing came in a goal-scoring effort as the Herons drew 3-3 in a thrilling game against Saint Louis. Messi missed 13 games with the Herons due to an ankle injury he suffered with Argentina. Messi's first-half brace puts him in a three-way tie for fourth in MLS goals scored with FC Dallas' Petar Musa and Philadelphia's Daniel Gazdag. Despite missing 13 games for the Herons, Messi sits third in assists behind Portland's Evander. Miami sits comfortably on top of the league at 28-19 with 62 points. In the Easter Conference, Cincinnati trails ten points behind Messi and Co. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy also holds 52 points at 28-15, leading the Western Conference. The game began with the Union taking the lead within 60 seconds as Mikkel Uhre found the back of the net from the edge of the box, but Messi’s brace in the first half turned the tide of the game. The match was played in a lively atmosphere at Inter Miami's temporary home, Chase Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The stadium was packed with fans eager to see Messi's return, and they were not disappointed.
Messi's Return Sparks Inter Miami
Inter Miami were on a good run of form before Messi's return, but with the Argentine back in the fold, they look even more dangerous. Messi's presence adds a new dimension to the Inter Miami attack, and his ability to create goals out of nothing is a major asset to the team.
Philadelphia Union Put Up a Fight
The Philadelphia Union came into the game with a strong record of their own, but they were unable to match Inter Miami's intensity. The Union had a good start and took the lead early on, but Messi's quick-fire brace put Inter Miami in control. The Union were unable to find a way back into the game, and they were ultimately outplayed by Inter Miami.
Inter Miami in a Strong Position
Inter Miami are now in a strong position to win the MLS Supporters' Shield. The team is currently seven points clear of second place in the standings, and they have a favorable schedule remaining. With Messi back in the fold, Inter Miami look like they are a real force to be reckoned with.
Messi's Impact on Inter Miami
Messi's return to Inter Miami has been a huge boost for the club. The Argentine star has already made a significant impact on the team, and he is likely to continue to do so in the coming weeks and months. With Messi leading the way, Inter Miami are a real contender for the MLS title.
The Next Chapter
Messi’s return to Inter Miami is a sign of the club’s ambition. The team is looking to build a dynasty, and Messi is a key part of that plan. The Argentine star is a proven winner, and he is likely to bring more success to Inter Miami in the years to come. The future is bright for Inter Miami, and Messi is a big part of that future.
