Lionel Messi spearheaded Inter Miami’s comeback with two goals and an assist in a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, marking his return from injury.
The Argentine had been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final, missing eight games before seamlessly rejoining the starting lineup.
Philadelphia got off to a dream start against the Eastern Conference leaders, with Mikael Uhre capitalizing on a poor clearance by Tomas Aviles and calmly finishing from the edge of the box just 58 seconds into the match.
Messi equalized in the 26th minute, after Luis Suarez cushioned a pass to him, allowing Messi to dribble past a defender and slot the ball home.
Just four minutes later, Messi put Miami ahead when Jordi Alba found acres of space on the left and delivered a perfect pass for Messi, who sent a first-time shot through Jack Elliott’s legs.
Suarez thought he had added a third early in the second half with a curling effort into the near post, but it was ruled out for offside in the buildup.
He eventually found the net in the 98th minute, when Messi unselfishly passed up a hat-trick opportunity, setting up Suarez to seal the win.
The result extends Miami’s lead over FC Cincinnati to 10 points at the top of the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia remains in 11th place.
