Messi’s Miami Masterclass: A Return to Form for the Argentine Legend
Lionel Messi marked his long-awaited return to the pitch with a bang, scoring two goals and providing an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. The Argentine superstar was back in the starting lineup after a two-month absence due to a right ankle injury, and he didn’t disappoint.
"I was a little tired, but the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help much," Messi admitted after the match. "I really wanted to get back on the field, it was a lot of time off. Little by little, I found myself with the group, I felt good, and that’s why we decided I would start. I’m very happy."
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised Messi’s performance, saying: "I’m happy he finished the game well, that he was able to complete 90 minutes, that he felt good. Messi and [Luis] Suarez both played the entire game because they were good to finish the game. The reality is that it’s very difficult to remove players who are so differential because they appear and resolve at any time."
Messi’s return was a significant boost for Inter Miami, who now sit top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points in 28 games. The team is on course to break the league’s record for most points in a regular season.
But what’s most impressive is Messi’s individual statistics. He became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in just 19 games. Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record, completing the feat in 29 games.
As Inter Miami looks to the future, they’ll be relying on Messi’s brilliance to guide them to the playoffs. With six games left to play, the Herons will face off against Atlanta United on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Will Messi continue to lead the charge?
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