Super Sub Messi Returns to Rescue Miami with Late Brilliance
Lionel Messi returned from injury in style, scoring a solo stunner and setting up Luis Suárez in Inter Miami’s 3–1 comeback win over the LA Galaxy. The match at Chase Stadium saw Miami overturn a second-half deadlock with two late moments of brilliance from their captain.
Messi had missed the previous two matches due to a right leg muscle injury. He entered at halftime and turned the game in its final stretch. With the score tied 1-1 and just 10 minutes remaining, he delivered two decisive plays.
Messi Strikes Late, Then Sets Up Suárez
In the 84th minute, Messi collected the ball near midfield, dribbled past a defender, and sent a precise low strike into the corner. The goal gave Miami a 2-1 lead and sent fans into celebration.
Minutes later, he turned creator. A heel-flicked pass from Messi released Luis Suárez, who finished coolly for the third goal. The assist followed a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and reflected the chemistry of the Barcelona-era trio.
Still Not Fully Fit, But Still Unstoppable
Messi was seen occasionally clutching his hamstring during the second half. Coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged post-match that Messi was still not 100%:
“He’s an extraordinary player. I also saw that he clearly wasn’t 100% comfortable… but as the minutes went by, he started to loosen up a little more.”
Despite playing limited minutes, Messi became the first MLS player this season to reach 30 goal contributions (19 goals, 11 assists). He also moved into the lead for the Golden Boot. Remarkably, he’s scored in four straight appearances off the bench.
Barcelona Legends Lead the Way Again
All three Inter Miami goals came from ex-Barcelona players. Jordi Alba opened the scoring in the 43rd minute after a perfect assist from Sergio Busquets. LA Galaxy equalized through Joseph Paintsil in the 59th minute, but Messi and Suárez took over late.
The win comes after Miami’s 4–1 defeat to Orlando without Messi. Saturday’s result was a crucial boost in their playoff and Supporters’ Shield ambitions.
“Vital,” said Mascherano. “If we want to compete until the end, we know the closer we get to the end of the season, the more vital details become.”
Galaxy’s Struggles Continue
The LA Galaxy remain at the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite a solid spell that saw them draw level, they couldn’t stop Messi’s late surge.
Inter Miami now look ahead with momentum, and with Messi back on the field, their postseason hopes look very much alive.
