In a thrilling display of skill and timing, Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. Even after starting on the bench, Messi came onto the pitch in the 55th minute at his coach Javier Mascherano’s request. He wasted no time flashing his potential, scoring within just two minutes of stepping on the pitch. The swift goal marked his second of the season and was a pivotal moment in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Union.
Messi’s first goal of the match, his second for Inter Miami, was a masterclass in execution and efficiency. His old Barcelona mate, Luis Suarez, had the second assist, finding Messi on the right flank. Messi displayed his unsurpassed footwork as he danced around defenders. With an impressive amount of finesse, he angled a low, right-footed shot into the far corner of the goal. This goal not only electrified the crowd but solidified Inter Miami’s position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Coach Javier Mascherano explained his decision to introduce Messi in the second half, stating:
“We didn’t want to risk him from the start because we thought he might be at risk playing the whole game, but we did want him to get some minutes.” – Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami’s strategy proved to be a smart one and they survived with a 2-1 win. They have already laying claim to their fourth hat trick in just five games on the season. All told, this excellent start is indicative of their overall excellence and competitiveness throughout the league.
Mascherano also hinted at future plans for Messi’s participation:
“The plan is that he can recover and travel to Los Angeles. He played today because he was fine. Maybe he wasn’t ready for the full 90 minutes but it was good for him to play 45 minutes. If nothing unusual happens the plan is for him to travel.” – Javier Mascherano
