Lionel Messi made an emphatic impact on his return from injury, scoring a brilliant individual strike and then providing a sensational assist for Luis Suárez to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over the visiting LA Galaxy on Saturday.
After missing two weeks due a muscle injury in his right leg, Messi made his return off the bench as a half-time substitute at Chase Stadium. And with Miami being held 1-1 going into the final 10 minutes, it was the Argentine World Cup winner who provided yet more magic to keep Miami firmly in the running to retain the Supporters’ Shield.
First, in the 84th minute, Messi picked up the ball midway into the opposition half before, in trademark fashion, slaloming around a defender and from the edge of the penalty area picking out the bottom corner of the net with his wand of a left foot.
More eye-popping magic was soon to follow. This time Messi played creator, meeting a fizzed pass from Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul with a sumptuous flick of his heel to find Suárez running in behind to finish.
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With it Messi became the first player with 30 goal contributions (19 goals, 11 assists) in MLS season this season as he looks to surpass his league-leading 38 from last year. His 19th goal also put him one clear in the race for the golden boot.
The 38-year-old has now scored in his last four appearances when coming off the bench with Inter Miami.
His effort on Saturday was much-needed after Joseph Paintsil had equalized for the Galaxy, who are the defending MLS Cup champions but are currently last in the Western Conference standings.
Jordi Alba put the home side ahead in the 43rd minute, meaning all three goals came from Miami’s ex-Barcelona contingent. Alba’s effort was also created by a defense-splitting through ball from another, Sergio Busquets.
Without Messi, who suffered his latest injury in a Leagues Cup duel with Necaxa, Miami fell 4-1 to local rivals Orlando City last week.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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