Lionel Messi Strikes On Return Form Injury To Help Inter Miami Down LA Galaxy

Last Updated:August 17, 2025, 09:57 IST

Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez were all on target for the Herons, while Joseph Paintsil's lone strike for Galaxy proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi marked his return to action, following a brief period on the sidelines due to a muscle injury, with a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on Sunday.

Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez were all on target for the Herons, while Joseph Paintsil’s lone strike for Galaxy proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

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Messi, who missed his side’s previous three outings after picking up an injury during the team’s Leagues Cup game against Mexican outfit Necaxa, was brought on as a substitute by head coach Javier Mascherano and went on to make the difference between the sides on the day, as he most often does.

“It had been something very small," Mascherano said of the star man’s injury after the match.

“The three training sessions we had were good. The important thing is that the match ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We have to see how he feels tomorrow," the Argentine added.

“We had planned the match to give minutes to Leo. The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find sensations," Mascherano said.

“I didn’t see him after the game. Tomorrow we’ll see what feelings he had," the 41-year-old said.

“He’s an extraordinary player. I saw that he was clearly not 100 percent comfortable but as the minutes went by he was loosening up more and more. We will have to see how he ended with the fatigue."

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Messi now has 19 goals and 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances for Miami this season.

“He wants to play every single game," Mascherano said.

“You have to understand why Leo is Leo. He always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there. Sometimes we try to explain him that we have to go slowly but when he feels good he knows himself like no one. In the end we tried to give him some minutes today to start having good feelings for Wednesday."

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First Published:

August 17, 2025, 09:57 IST

News sports Lionel Messi Strikes On Return Form Injury To Help Inter Miami Down LA Galaxy

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