Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and create another goal as Inter Miami beat the LA Galaxy 3-1 on 16 August 2025.
The Miami captain returned after missing two matches with a muscle injury. He entered at half-time, struck in the 84th minute and then backheeled the ball into Luis Suarez’s path for the third.
Messi changes the game after half-time
Javier Mascherano introduced Messi and Rodrigo De Paul at the break. The plan was to give Messi 45 minutes and help him regain his rhythm after the injury he suffered against Necaxa on 2 August.
Mascherano said Messi was not fully comfortable at first but moved more freely as the second half developed. The coach planned to assess him again the following day.
Miami pull away with two late goals
Jordi Alba gave Miami the lead in the 43rd minute after Sergio Busquets split the Galaxy defence. Alba collected the pass six yards out and finished inside the near post.
Joseph Paintsil equalised in the 59th minute, but Messi restored Miami’s advantage with six minutes left. De Paul found him outside the penalty area, and Messi beat a defender before driving a low left-footed shot into the net.
Five minutes later, Messi produced a backheel inside the box and Suarez converted from close range to complete the win.
Messi reaches 40 MLS goals
The goal was Messi’s 19th of the season and his 40th in MLS. Inter Miami said he reached the mark in 44 games, two more than Josef Martinez needed.
His assist was his 10th of the league campaign, while Suarez scored his sixth. The result gave Inter Miami their first victory over the Galaxy and lifted them to 45 points after the previous weekend’s 4-1 loss at Orlando City.
