Lionel Messi made his highly anticipated return for Inter Miami, starring as the Herons came from behind to earn a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium, Soccernet.football reports.
Messi had been sidelined with an ankle injury from the Copa America final but returned to the lineup after an eight-match absence.
Upon his return to the starting lineup, the Argentine spearheaded Inter Miami’s comeback with a brace and an assist in their 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.
Philadelphia made a strong start against the Eastern Conference leaders, with Mikael Uhre capitalizing on a loose clearance from Tomas Aviles to score from the edge of the area just 58 seconds into the game.
Messi equalized in the 26th minute, receiving a ball from Luis Suarez, rounding a defender, and scoring. He then put Miami ahead just four minutes later, after receiving a square pass from an open Alba on the left and finishing through Jack Elliott’s legs.
Suarez thought he had added a third shortly after the break with a superb bending shot into the near post, but it was ruled out for a narrow offside. However, the 37-year-old eventually got his goal in the 98th minute, thanks to Messi’s unselfish assist, sweeping the ball into the net.
With this win, Miami now hold a 10-point lead over FC Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia remain in 11th place.
Messi, Suarez and Alba once again displayed a wonderful connection on the pitch, reminiscent of their days at FC Barcelona. Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino will certainly be glad to have their wealth of experience at his disposal.