Lionel Messi Inspires Inter Miami to 3-1 Win Over LA Galaxy Upon Injury Return
Lionel Messi delivered a commanding performance upon his return from injury, leading Inter Miami to a convincing 3-1 triumph over LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer action. The Argentine superstar, who had been recovering from an injury suffered during a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2nd, demonstrated his enduring brilliance by contributing both a crucial goal and a masterful assist in the victory.
The match began with Messi and fellow Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul starting as substitutes, as Inter Miami’s coaching staff opted for a cautious approach given their captain’s recent injury layoff. Despite missing their talismanic leader from the opening whistle, Miami managed to establish control in the first half through the experience and quality of their veteran Spanish contingent.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when former Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba found the back of the net in the 43rd minute. The goal was made possible by another ex-Barcelona player, Sergio Busquets, whose precise assist created the scoring opportunity that Alba converted to give Inter Miami a 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.
The second half marked a turning point as both Messi and de Paul were introduced at halftime, immediately changing the dynamic of the match. However, LA Galaxy responded positively to the increased pressure, managing to restore parity in the 59th minute through Ghanaian forward Joseph Paintsil, whose equalizer temporarily silenced the home crowd and set up a tense final thirty minutes.
The match’s decisive moments arrived in the closing stages, where Messi’s class and experience proved to be the difference. In the 84th minute, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showcased his legendary finishing ability by unleashing a powerful, low-driven shot from outside the penalty area. The strike was expertly placed, finding its way through a crowd of defenders to restore Inter Miami’s lead at a crucial juncture.
Not content with simply scoring the winning goal, Messi then turned provider in spectacular fashion. His elegant backheel pass found longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who made no mistake in converting the opportunity to seal the 3-1 victory. This moment highlighted the enduring chemistry between the two South American forwards, whose partnership has been rekindled successfully in Major League Soccer.
The victory carries significant implications for Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations and upcoming fixtures. The team is scheduled to face Mexican side Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, a match that will test their continental ambitions. Additionally, the three points earned against LA Galaxy have positioned them favorably in the Eastern Conference standings.
Currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 45 points, Inter Miami finds themselves in a competitive position despite having played three fewer matches than conference leaders Philadelphia Union, who have accumulated 51 points. This games-in-hand advantage could prove crucial as the regular season progresses toward its conclusion and playoff positioning becomes increasingly important.
Messi’s return represents more than just the availability of a star player; it signals Inter Miami’s renewed championship ambitions across multiple competitions. His ability to immediately impact the match after a prolonged absence demonstrates both his exceptional fitness levels and his continued relevance at the highest level of professional soccer, even as he approaches the twilight of his remarkable career.
The performance also underscores the depth and quality that Inter Miami has assembled, with former Barcelona players like Alba and Busquets proving their continued value alongside the South American contingent of Messi, Suarez, and de Paul.