Veteran footballer Lionel Messi made his triumphant return from injury, motivating Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy.
His return reminded the world of his enduring brilliance as the Argentine maestro not only found the net but also delivered a no-look assist that left fans and teammates in awe, once again proving why chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” echo wherever he plays.
Having missed two matches due to a hamstring injury sustained on August 2 against Necaxa, Messi was eased back into action with a 45-minute shift. His impact, however, was immediate. The MLS top scorer looked sharp and decisive, underlining his importance to Javier Mascherano’s squad as they continue to chase silverware.
Messi’s influence was felt right after halftime. Latching on to a pass, he cut inside with trademark precision and buried the ball past the Galaxy keeper, sending the packed stadium into a frenzy. “We’re used to this. You saw what he did, got the ball with a clear look at goal and scored,” said defender Maximiliano Falcón in Spanish. His words summed up what has become routine for Inter Miami — moments of Messi magic that transform matches.
But the highlight of the night was not his goal. Later in the game, Messi conjured a no-look assist that had social media buzzing and fans on their feet. Spotting Luis Suárez’s run, he disguised his intention with a glance away and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the Uruguayan’s path. Suárez made no mistake, finishing clinically to extend Miami’s lead. Many fans hailed the assist as “crazier than the goal,” underlining Messi’s ability to astonish with not just finishing, but also playmaking.
Rodrigo de Paul, Messi’s fellow Argentine and close friend, had earlier linked up with him to carve open the Galaxy defense. The chemistry between the two world champions gave Miami a cutting edge the visitors could not handle.
Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s mentality as much as his skill. “He wants to play every single game. He wanted to play in Orlando also. You have to understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch,” Mascherano explained. His comments reflect the drive that continues to define the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, even in the twilight of his career.
The win came at a crucial moment for Miami, who had struggled without their talisman. While they reached the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, they were humbled 4-1 by Orlando City in MLS during Messi’s absence. His return injects fresh confidence as they prepare to face Mexican giants Tigres UANL on Wednesday in South Florida.
For LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS Cup champions, the night was more about rotation. With a Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Pachuca looming, they fielded a mixed squad. Still, they struggled to contain Messi’s influence, which proved decisive.
As the final whistle blew, the headlines belonged once again to Messi. His goal and assist lit up the contest, reminding fans that even at 38, he remains football’s ultimate showman — capable of moments that transcend the game itself.
