Lionel Messi made a perfect return to the pitch Saturday night, leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium.
Messi has been sidelined for two-months due to a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final on July 14
He marked his comeback, scoring two goals and providing an assist in a full 90-minute display.
“I was a little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami don’t help much, but I was eager to get back,” Messi shared after the game.
“It was a long time off the field. Little by little, I reconnected with the group, I felt good, and that’s why I started. I’m very happy.”
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino explained that Messi’s ability to influence the game led to his full participation.
“Messi and [Luis] Suarez both played the entire game because they were capable of finishing it. It’s hard to take out players who can make a difference at any moment,” Martino said.
“Given our position and what lies ahead, we are willing to take some risks, but not excessively. We no longer need to focus on making the playoffs; now it’s about what we can achieve in the short term.”
Messi did not only helped secure Miami’s win but also set a new MLS record.
He became the fastest player in league history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, accomplishing the feat in just 19 games.
The previous record, held by Sebastian Giovinco, took 29 games.
Inter Miami currently sits atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points from 28 games and a record of 19-4-5.
The Herons remain on track to break the league’s regular-season points record.
Next, Inter Miami will face Atlanta United on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with six games remaining before the playoffs.
