Lionel Messi would not be denied for long.
The Argentine superstar, returning from injury, missed several scoring chances on Saturday night against LA Galaxy before striking late to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 win.
Messi did not start the match, instead coming on at the beginning of the second half after missing two games with a right hamstring injury. He sustained the injury during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Necaxa in August 2.
In the 84th minute, Messi broke through defenders with his trademark dribbling and unleashed a left-footed strike from distance to make it 2-1. Minutes later, he provided a deft back-heel assist for Luis Suárez to seal Miami’s victory with a two-goal cushion.
The goal was Messi’s 19th of the season, keeping him at the top of the MLS scoring charts. The result also provided a much-needed lift for Inter Miami, who climbed to fourth place in the Eastern Conference after dropping to sixth following a 4-1 defeat at Orlando last week.
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Manager Javier Mascherano said the team would monitor Messi on Sunday to assess his fitness and fatigue levels. At times during the match, Messi appeared to stretch his right leg, raising concerns over a hamstring injury.
“The important thing is that he finished the match,” Mascherano said through an interpreter, noting that Messi appeared more comfortable as the game progressed.
Jordi Alba had opened the scoring for Miami late in the first half, slotting home after a precise through ball from Sergio Busquets.
Joseph Paintsil levelled for the Galaxy in the 59th minute. The reigning MLS Cup champions are currently struggling at the foot of the Western Conference standings.
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