Lionel Messi comes back: He had not played for the MLS team since July, when he hurt his ankle in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final.
When he came back, he got off to a fast start. Former Barcelona partner Luis Suarez passed the ball to him on the edge of the box, and in the 26th minute, he cut inside his defender and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Soon after, in the 30th minute, he was in the box to head in a low cross from Jordi Alba, another former partner. This time, he cut across his body to send the ball into the opposite corner.
And to cap off a great comeback, Messi set up Luis Suarez’s goal in the 98th minute by passing the ball to the Uruguayan on the edge of the box. Suarez then curled his own shot into the bottom corner.
This season, Messi has played 13 times in the MLS and scored 14 goals and set up 10 others. Even though he hasn’t played in 15 games for his team this season, Messi is still eighth in the MLS in goals scored, five behind Christian Benteke and three behind Suarez.
Even though Messi hasn’t played in nine games, Inter Miami is currently in first place in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, 10 points ahead of Cincinnati, who is in second place.
The Argentine missed the last four Inter Miami games because of an ankle injury. He was on international service in June and July.
The clubs from Fort Lauderdale will start their quest for their first MLS Cup in October, when the normal season ends and the play-offs begin. However, they do not yet know who they will play in the first Eastern Conference play-off.
The Independent is the most free-thinking news outlet in the world. It gives people who think for themselves global news, opinion, and analysis. A lot of independent-minded people around the world read our work and trust our speech and dedication to making the world a better place. Our goal of making things better has never been more important than they are now.
Comments are closed.