By Admin • Sun Aug 17 2025
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi climbed off the bench in the second half to turn the tide, scoring a brilliant goal and assisting another, guiding Inter Miami to a crucial 3–1 victory against LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday night.
The home side took the lead just before halftime, as veteran defender Jordi Alba capitalized on a pinpoint through ball from Sergio Busquets to slot past the goalkeeper in the 43rd minute.
However, LA Galaxy struck back in the second half when Joseph Paintsil twisted inside the box and fired an equalizer past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 59th minute, leveling the match at 1–1.
Subbed on at the start of the second half after missing recent games with a hamstring injury, Messi wasted no time in reminding fans of his brilliance. In the 84th minute, the Argentine maestro collected the ball near the edge of the area, dribbled past two defenders, and curled a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner to put Miami back in front.
Just five minutes later, Messi turned provider, delivering a cheeky back-heel assist to Luis Suárez, who calmly tapped home to seal the 3–1 victory.
Despite his heroics, concerns remain about Messi’s fitness. Cameras caught him stretching his right leg at intervals during the game, raising questions about whether his injury is fully behind him. Head coach Javier Mascherano admitted post-match that Messi was not completely comfortable but praised his determination and competitive spirit.
Messi’s strike marked his 19th goal of the MLS season, extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts. With this result, Inter Miami climbed to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, halting a recent slump in form. The victory also provides vital momentum ahead of their Leagues Cup quarter-final clash against Tigres UANL on August 20.