Rodrigo de Paul (r.) and Lionel Messi. © APA / MEGAN BRIGGS

Comeback successful: Messi as match winner

Superstar Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to victory against LA Galaxy in his comeback as a match winner.

August 17, 2025

From: dpa/sn

The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner scored with a long-range shot after a beautiful dribble in the 84th minute to make it 2-1. Five minutes later, he set up Inter striker Luis Suárez's goal with a backheel to make it 3-1. Jordi Alba (43rd minute) had given Miami a 1-0 lead against former international Marco Reus's team.

The Inter fans celebrated the return of their fan favorite, who had been substituted on after halftime, with chants of "Messi, Messi!" The eight-time World Player of the Year was not in the starting lineup after suffering a right thigh injury in the Leagues Cup match against Mexican team Necaxa two weeks ago. With 19 goals this season, Messi now leads the Major League Soccer (MLS) scoring charts.

Messi celebrated a successful comeback. © APA / MEGAN BRIGGS

Miami coach Javier Mascherano was delighted with his star's return: "The most important thing is that he finished the game," said the Argentine. "You have to understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch." Messi's return comes at an important time. Inter Miami will face eight-time Mexican champions Tigres on Wednesday (local time) in the Leagues Cup. The cup features teams from the MLS and Mexico.