New Delhi: Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami camp on Saturday night and scored the game-winner, allowing Miami to defeat the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, and officially advancing to first place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. The Argentine star has been sidelined with an adductor strain, which even caused him to miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers during the international break. Messi’s last appearance was in Miami’s 2-1 win against Atlanta.
Messi entered the game in the 55th minute and wasted no time getting back into a rhythm in the 57th minute when Messi connected off a cross from Luis Suarez on the right side of the penalty area, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made a quick move and expertly placed a right-footed shot past two defenders into the net, extending Miami’s lead to 2-0.
GOAL MESSI !! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/p7d2xjSHdd
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) March 30, 2025
Messi’s goal marked his second of three games played this season, emphasising the need for his return to the lineup. Miami coach Javier Mascherano noted that Messi’s limited minutes during the contest were partly due to precaution after he suffered a minor adductor injury that kept him sidelined for a few days earlier this month.
He said, “We wanted Leo to have minutes. The idea was for him to play 30- 35 minutes with the added time; he ended up playing a little more, but he feels good. We didn’t want to risk anything by starting him. Thank God he ended well, and we are very happy for that.”
Messi’s special tribute to Djokovic
Inter Miami went up 1-0 in the 23rd minute with a goal from Robert Taylor, assisted by Benjamin Cremaschi and Jordi Alba. After Messi’s quick two-goal lead made it 2-0, Philadelphia Union pulled one back through Daniel Gazdag in the 80th minute. However, Miami held firm to secure the win, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions.
Miami now boasts an impressive 4-0-1 MLS record and is undefeated in nine matches overall, including their victories in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Beyond the thrilling victory, Messi’s goal carried extra significance as he dedicated it to tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The Serbian great also reacted quickly on Instagram, sharing Messi’s goal celebration video on his story, accompanied by emojis, marking a moment of mutual admiration between two of the greatest athletes in their respective sports.
🚨Lionel Messi dedicated his goal celebration to Novak Djokovic, and Djokovic acknowledged it on his IG story! 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/haP1xwqFz5
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) March 30, 2025
Looking ahead
Inter Miami will now shift focus to the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against LAFC at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night. Mascherano hinted that Messi is expected to travel with the team if he continues to progress well in training.
“The plan is for him to recuperate and travel to Los Angeles,” Mascherano said. “Today, the time that he played was because he was fit. We didn’t risk him, and if nothing unusual happens, he will make the trip.”
With Messi back in form and Inter Miami firing on all cylinders, the excitement continues to build as they push for more success in both domestic and international competitions.
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi marks his comeback with a goal against Philadelphia Union with the Argentine dedicating his strike to tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
