A brilliant Lionel Messi goal vs Philadelphia Union helped Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory and showed that the Argentine’s influence on the field is immense.
Messi, who is recovering from muscle soreness, was substituted into the game at the 55 minute mark with his side leading 1-0. He only needed two minutes to double the lead.
Lionel Messi goal vs Philadelphia Union
55' - Messi subs on
57' - Messi scoresInevitable. pic.twitter.com/JyBC0QWgr5— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 30, 2025
Imagine being part of the Philadelphia backline having just defended for nearly an hour in the Fort Lauderdale humidity and then looking up to see arguably the best player in the world enter the game.
There were some doubts if Messi would compete in Saturday’s game after he missed out on two World Cup qualifiers with Argentina due to injury. It’s been no secret that Messi hasn’t been 100% this season starting just four of Miami’s nine games so far.
He has missed out due to injury or been rested on the bench for three games so far.
Despite not being at full power he’s still managed to score five goals and provide two assists this season.
Philadelphia pushed for a late draw after Dániel Gazdag pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, however the Herons held on for their fourth-straight league win.
Quinn Sullivan assist ️
Daniel Gazdag finish @PhilaUnion pull one back. pic.twitter.com/rmDP3QLTAj— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 30, 2025
Despite playing one less game, Miami sit atop the Eastern Conference with 13 points from five games.
It’s a quick turnaround for Messi and friends as they will travel across the country for their first leg Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against LAFC on Wednesday.
