FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi returned safely from a lengthy absence, scoring two goals and assisting a third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
Argentina's star winger and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had not played for Inter Miami since June 1 due to national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.
Messi, who returned to training three weeks ago, showed no signs of rust or injury in his multiple-goal performance, scoring two goals in a four-minute span midway through the first half to erase an early deficit for Philadelphia.
Despite being without Messi, Miami qualified for the MLS playoffs with an 8-2 record. Miami (19 wins, 4 losses, 5 draws) also led the Supporters' Shield with 62 points.
Luis Suarez had one assist and sealed the win for Miami with a goal in added time from Messi, his 17th goal of the season.
Messi's first goal came in the 26th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, when Suarez sent a short pass near the wide area, Messi received it, evaded Union defender Kai Wagner in the box and fired a shot that landed inside the left post of the goal.
Four minutes later, Messi received a cross pass inside the penalty area and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard shot.
Suarez's 44th minute goal was ruled out after video review for an offside offence by Inter Miami.
In the 67th minute, Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan fought for a loose ball when Messi's newly repaired ankle caught Sullivan's kick. Messi fell to the ground, hurting his ankle, but quickly got up and continued playing. Referee Sergiy Boyko gave yellow cards to Sullivan and Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, but Martino argued for a more severe infraction against Sullivan.
Hoping for an equalizer, Philadelphia (7-12-9) pressed repeatedly throughout the second half, until Messi fed Suarez, who smashed in a shot from 18 yards to secure the win.
Before his absence, the 37-year-old Messi had scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 12 league games this season.
The fans finally regained their composure when Union's Mickael Uhle stunned the home crowd with a goal two minutes into the game.
Messi had the first chance to score in the seventh minute with a free kick from near the half circle, but it was cleared by a wall of Philadelphia defenders.
Both clubs continue their league action on the road on Wednesday, with Inter Miami visiting Atlanta on Tuesday and Union visiting New York City FC on Tuesday.
