Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a crucial late goal, helping Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory over defending MLS champions, LA Galaxy, on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Messi, who had been sidelined with a minor hamstring strain, came off the bench in the second half after missing the last few games. Inter coach Javier Mascherano had initially planned to give Messi 45 minutes to regain his match fitness, and the Argentine star delivered, scoring in the 84th minute to put Miami ahead.
The match had its fair share of drama, with Jordi Alba opening the scoring for Miami in the 43rd minute. LA Galaxy responded through Joseph Paintsil, who equalized in the 59th minute. But it was Messi’s moment of magic in the 84th minute that shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor. Luis Suarez sealed the win in the 89th minute with an assist from Messi, giving Miami a comfortable 3-1 lead.
Mascherano praised Messi’s performance, despite not being at full fitness. “He’s an extraordinary player. As the game progressed, he loosened up more and more,” Mascherano said. Messi has now scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in just 19 appearances for Inter Miami this season. His return to form is a promising sign as the team heads into the Leagues Cup quarter-finals, where they’ll face Tigres on Wednesday.
Inter Miami currently ranks fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, just six points behind Philadelphia but with three matches in hand. The team’s prospects look bright as they continue their pursuit of glory in both the MLS and Leagues Cup.
In other MLS action, South Korean star Son Heung-min, making his first start for LAFC, helped his side to a 2-0 win over New England, with Mathieu Choiniere scoring in stoppage time to seal the victory. LAFC sits fifth in the Western Conference, nine points behind leaders San Diego but with two matches in hand.
