18 August 2025
Argentine legend Lionel Messi returned from injury to lead Inter Miami to a valuable 3-1 victory over visiting Los Angeles Galaxy in Sunday's MLS match at Chase Stadium. Messi entered the field early in the second half after missing his team's last two matches and immediately made the difference.
Messi outplayed Galaxy defenders Lucas Sanabria and Edwin Cirillo with a brilliant dribble, finishing with a low shot into the net. Messi then created a goal with a brilliant backheel pass without looking up for teammate Luis Suarez, who scored the decisive goal.
The Argentine star also provided a huge morale boost for his teammates, as Suarez and Jordi Alba put in strong performances to make up for the team's heavy 4-1 defeat to Orlando City last week in the Florida Derby.
Messi took sole possession of the top spot in the MLS scoring charts with 19 goals, breaking his tie with Nashville striker Sam Surridge, who had 18 goals. The result lifted Inter Miami to 45 points, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Los Angeles Galaxy remained last in the Western Conference with 16 points.
