Lionel Messi reminded the world that even a limited shift from the bench is enough to rewrite a match.
Returning from a short spell on the sidelines with a muscle knock, the 38-year-old stepped onto the pitch in the second half and immediately reshaped the game’s rhythm, guiding Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over reigning champions LA Galaxy.
Miami Bides Its Time, Then Strikes
For most of the night, it seemed like Inter Miami would have to fight tooth and nail without their talisman. Jordi Alba opened the scoring late in the first half, but LA Galaxy answered back just after the hour mark through Joseph Paintsil, leveling the contest at 1-1.
Then, the game flipped.
With 30 minutes to go, Messi entered the field — not fully fit, not fully warmed — but fully present. His 84th-minute goal, clinically finished after a tight combination with Alba and Leonardo Campana, was vintage. Five minutes later, he found Luis Suárez in stride, and the Uruguayan made no mistake, sealing the result with a ruthless finish.
Mascherano’s Calculation Pays Off
Head coach Javier Mascherano approached Messi’s return with caution, prioritizing rhythm and chemistry over a full-throttle display. “It wasn’t about force,” Mascherano noted post-match. “It was about tempo. We gave him 30 minutes to find it, and as always, he didn’t need more than that.”
Despite limited time on the pitch, Messi registered one goal and one assist — bringing his MLS season tally to 20 goals and 11 assists in just 20 appearances. His efficiency is surgical.
Suárez and Alba Step Up, Reinforcements Near
While all eyes were on Messi, it was the surrounding cast that maintained the game’s tension until he arrived. Jordi Alba’s overlapping runs stretched the Galaxy’s right flank all night, while Luis Suárez continued his quiet campaign of consistency with his seventh goal of the season.
Inter now climbs within striking distance of the top of the Eastern Conference, sitting fourth with three games in hand. With Messi gradually ramping up minutes, Miami is building towards a potential title run just in time for the business end of the season.
Other Headlines: Son Heung-min Breaks Through
On the West Coast, South Korean forward Son Heung-min opened his MLS account in style, notching an assist and creating havoc in LAFC’s 2-0 away win over New England. Marco Delgado and Mathieu Choinière netted the goals, the latter coming in stoppage time after a decisive through ball from Son.
Son’s presence brings a new dynamic to LAFC’s attack and fills the void left by outgoing stars. With LAFC now sitting fifth in the Western Conference and still within reach of the top, all signs point to a two-coast arms race between marquee players and high-stakes ambition.
