Messi marked his return from injury with a stunning goal

Sports

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a stunning goal, helping Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in their latest Major League Soccer (MLS) clash.

The 37-year-old Argentine superstar, who had missed Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifiers due to an adductor strain, came off the bench in the 55th minute and found the net within two minutes. Former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez set up the goal, allowing Messi to jink past defenders and fire a low right-footed shot into the far corner.

Miami had already taken the lead in the 23rd minute, with Robert Taylor finishing off a move initiated by Jordi Alba, who surged down the left flank before delivering a precise low pass via Benjamin Cremaschi.

Philadelphia fought back in the 80th minute, with Daniel Gazdag scoring off a cross from Quinn Sullivan, but it wasn’t enough to stop Inter Miami from claiming their fourth win in five games.

The victory keeps Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference, remaining unbeaten so far this season.