Lionel Messi wasted no time making an impact on his return to action, scoring just two minutes after coming off the bench to lead Inter Miami to a thrilling 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. The Argentine icon, who had been sidelined with an adductor strain since March 16, marked his comeback in emphatic fashion, reigniting Miami’s dominance in the Eastern Conference.

Messi Magic Off the Bench

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano opted for a cautious approach, starting Messi on the bench. However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner made his presence felt immediately upon entering in the 55th minute.

It took Messi just two minutes to find the net after receiving a precise pass from his former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suárez. With his trademark footwork, Messi created space and slotted a right-footed shot into the far corner, leaving Philadelphia’s defense helpless.

Miami’s Commanding Start

Before Messi’s brilliance, Finnish winger Robert Taylor had given Miami a first-half lead in the 23rd minute. A well-timed low pass from Benjamin Cremaschi, following Jordi Alba’s incisive run down the left flank, set up Taylor for a clinical finish.

Philadelphia responded in the 80th minute when Quinn Sullivan delivered a dangerous cross, allowing Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag to bring the ball down and fire home. Despite their late push, Miami held on to secure the win and extend their unbeaten streak to five games this season.

Top of the Table and a Tough Schedule Ahead

Inter Miami now sit comfortably atop the Eastern Conference with four wins from five matches. However, a grueling schedule awaits them, starting with a high-stakes CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash against LAFC on Wednesday. They will then host Toronto before facing LAFC again in the return leg.

Mascherano emphasized that Messi’s return was carefully managed, stating:

“We didn’t want to risk him from the start, but we needed him to get some minutes. The plan is for him to travel to Los Angeles and be fully ready for the upcoming games.”

READ ALSO: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on hand to fire Inter Miami into CONCACAF quarters

Seven-Goal Thriller in Atlanta and Other MLS Highlights

Elsewhere in the MLS, Atlanta United staged a dramatic comeback to defeat New York City FC 4-3. Trailing 3-1, Atlanta clawed their way back with a Keaton Parks own goal and a powerful header from returning star Miguel Almirón. The match-winner came from new signing Emmanuel Latte Lath, who pounced on a defensive lapse to seal the victory.

In other fixtures, Diego Rossi’s brace propelled the Columbus Crew to a 2-1 win over DC United, while Canadian forward Tani Oluwaseyi netted twice to lead Minnesota United past Real Salt Lake 2-0.

Meanwhile, Carles Gil delivered late drama for the New England Revolution, converting a stoppage-time penalty to clinch a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Gil had earlier scored from a brilliant free-kick, with former Bayern Munich forward Eric Choupo-Moting netting the equalizer for the Red Bulls.

READ ALSO: Lionel Messi ruled out of Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil

What’s Next for Messi and Miami?

With Messi back in action and Miami firing on all cylinders, all eyes will be on their upcoming Champions Cup showdown with LAFC. Can the Argentine maestro lead his team to continental glory? Stay tuned for more updates on Sportsligue.com.

SportsLigue