Subhi Agrawal
Lionel Messi made a spectacular return from injury on Saturday, showcasing his signature flair by netting two goals in just four minutes, providing an assist, and setting a new Major League Soccer (MLS) record.
Messi Played A Pivotal Role In Miami’s Goals
In his first appearance for Inter Miami in over three months, Lionel Messi made history by becoming the fastest player in MLS to achieve 15 goals and 15 assists, reaching this milestone in just 19 matches—10 fewer than anyone else. On Saturday, Messi was pivotal in all three of Miami’s goals, leading them to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Messi’s standout performance followed a challenging start for Miami, who conceded a goal in the opening minute. Mikael Uhre struck early, sending the ball into the net past goalkeeper Drake Callender’s outstretched fingertips.
Trailing 1-0, Messi equalized by converting a Luis Suárez pass inside the box. Just four minutes later, he scored again, outmaneuvering the Philadelphia defense to find the net from a similar position.
A crucial save from Callender in the 85th minute kept Philadelphia from equalizing. Moments later, Messi set up the decisive goal, delivering a perfect pass to Suárez, who scored with a precise finish. This goal marked Suárez’s 17th of the season, establishing a new club record for the most goals in a single MLS regular season.
“I Had Been Off The Field For A Long Time”
Messi, who hasn’t played since July 14 due to sustaining an injury while playing for Argentina in the Copa América final, accepts that he was a little exhausted.
“The heat and humidity in Miami don’t help much either, but I really wanted to come back, I had been off the field for a long time,” Messi said afterwards to TNT Sports which, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy – very happy,” he added.
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