Lionel Messi made an impressive comeback to the field, scoring twice and assisting once as Inter Miami defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-1.
Messi has been out for two months following a right ankle injury sustained at the Copa America final on July 14.
His last Inter Miami appearance came on June 1 against St. Louis City. Despite the sweltering Miami heat, Messi played the entire 90 minutes.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised Messi’s ability to make an impact at any time.
“It’s very difficult to remove players who are so differential because they appear and resolve at any time.”
Martino emphasized that while Inter Miami had already secured a playoff spot, they are now focused on potential short-term achievements and are willing to take some risks.
Messi also made MLS history, becoming the fastest player to reach 15 goals and 15 assists in just 19 games, breaking the previous record held by Sebastian Giovinco, who achieved the feat in 29 games.
Inter Miami now sits atop the Eastern Conference standings with 62 points from 28 games.
