By Abubakar Ojima-ojo
Lionel Messi is back from injury with a goal as Inter Miami defeats LA Galaxy 3-1 in an MLS clash.
Lionel Messi made his MLS comeback after missing Inter Miami’s previous two games due to a leg muscle problem.
With six minutes remaining, he scored the game-winning goal and provided an assist as the Herons defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 after coming off the bench at halftime.
After Jordi Alba’s goal put his team ahead 1-0 at halftime, Miami coach Javier Mascherano substituted Messi for Venezuelan winger Telasco Segovia.
The Argentine World Cup champion had a while to get into the game, and shortly before the hour, Joseph Paintsil gave the visitors an equalizer.
When Messi was named available on the bench, he delivered the Chase Stadium crowd in Fort Lauderdale a memorable moment.
Luis Suarez’s reverse pass to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared the ball to Messi, who blasted past many players and then fired an unbelievable left-footed shot into the bottom corner, was the game-changing moment.
Messi’s 19th goal of the regular season was the most in MLS, and it put him one goal ahead of Sam Surridge of Nashville SC.
After a pass from Messi Suarez gave the home team an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time to seal the win.
The outcome brought Miami within five points of the Philadelphia Union, who were leading the Eastern Conference going into Saturday’s loss to the New York Red Bulls.
