Messi’s Magic Returns: Inter Miami Stuns LA Galaxy with 3-1 Victory
Lionel Messi made a thunderous comeback from injury, delivering a world-class goal and a stunning assist to Luis Suárez, as Inter Miami powered past LA Galaxy with a 3-1 win on Saturday night.
After sitting out for two weeks with a muscle injury in his right leg, the Argentine legend came off the bench at halftime in front of a roaring crowd at Chase Stadium. With the game locked at 1-1 and just minutes left on the clock, Messi stepped up to take control.
In the 84th minute, Messi picked up the ball in the opposition’s half, danced past a defender, and unleashed a left-footed rocket into the bottom corner, handing Miami a 2-1 lead in trademark style.
Only five minutes later, Messi turned provider. Receiving a pass from his Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, he flicked the ball with a cheeky heel pass straight into the path of Suárez, who calmly buried Miami’s third goal.
Despite clutching his hamstring at times, Messi’s brilliance was undeniable. Head coach Javier Mascherano admitted his superstar wasn’t at full fitness but praised his impact:
“He’s an extraordinary player. Even when not at 100%, he finds a way to change the game. The injury was small, but we’ll monitor him day by day.”
With this performance, Messi became the first player to hit 30 goal contributions (19 goals, 11 assists) in MLS this season, edging ahead in the Golden Boot race with his 19th strike.
The 38-year-old also extended his record of scoring in four straight substitute appearances for Inter Miami, proving he can be just as lethal off the bench.
Earlier, Jordi Alba had put Miami in front in the 43rd minute after a clever assist from Sergio Busquets. For Galaxy, Joseph Paintsil equalized in the 59th minute, but the defending MLS Cup champions—currently bottom of the Western Conference—couldn’t stop Miami’s ex-Barcelona trio from taking over.
Without Messi, Miami had suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to Orlando City last week, making this victory even more crucial in their push to defend the Supporters’ Shield.
Mascherano summed it up best:
“This win was vital. If we want to fight until the end and achieve big things, details like tonight’s performance will make all the difference.”
Description:
"Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a stunning goal and assist as Inter Miami beat LA Galaxy 3-1. Read how the Barcelona trio dominated."