Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami wins late against LA Galaxy

The Argentinian superstar returns from wounded to people a extremity and adhd an assistance arsenic Inter downs Galaxy astatine Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi returned from wounded arsenic a reserve and scored successful the 84th infinitesimal to pb Inter Miami to a 3-1 triumph implicit the defending Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions, Los Angeles Galaxy.

The iconic 38-year-old Argentinian striker was backmost connected the tract connected Saturday for Miami aft suffering what Inter manager Javier Mascherano had called a “minor musculus injury” – an evident hamstring strain – successful Inter’s Leagues Cup triumph implicit Mexican broadside Necaxa connected August 2.

“It had been thing precise small,” Mascherano said of his wounded aft the match. “The 3 grooming sessions we had were good. The important happening is that the lucifer ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We person to spot however helium feels tomorrow.”

Eight-time Ballon d’Or victor Messi, who missed a Leagues Cup triumph implicit Pumas UNAM and past weekend’s MLS nonaccomplishment astatine Orlando City, was connected the seat arsenic a reserve earlier entering successful the 2nd half, replacing Telasco Segovia.

“We had planned the lucifer to springiness minutes to Leo [Messi]. The thought was to springiness him 45 minutes truthful that helium tin find sensations,” Mascherano said. “I didn’t spot him aft the game. Tomorrow, we’ll spot what feelings helium had.

“He’s an bonzer player. I saw that helium was intelligibly not 100 percent comfortable, but arsenic the minutes went by, helium was loosening up much and more. We volition person to spot however helium ended with the fatigue.”

Jordi Alba scored for Miami successful the 43rd minute, but Joseph Paintsil equalised for the Galaxy successful the 59th minute.

Messi takes a changeable and scores his team’s 2nd extremity against LA Galaxy astatine Chase Stadium [Chandan Khanna/AFP]

Messi dominates late

Messi’s superb extremity six minutes from full-time – a thunderous near ft onslaught fired from the borderline of the punishment country that caromed disconnected the bottommost country of the nett – restored the pb for Miami.

He past enactment the triumph beyond uncertainty with a sensational 89th-minute assistance to teammate Luis Suarez, who enactment the location broadside up 3-1.

Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, has 19 goals and 10 assists successful 19 MLS appearances for Miami this season.

He besides has the Herons into the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, which they won successful 2023, conscionable aft Messi’s arrival. Miami volition play the Tigres successful a Cup quarterfinal connected Wednesday.

“He wants to play each azygous game,” Mascherano said. “You person to recognize wherefore Leo is Leo. He ever wants to beryllium connected the pitch. He’s blessed there. Sometimes, we effort to explicate him that we person to spell slowly, but erstwhile helium feels good, helium knows himself similar nary one. In the end, we tried to springiness him immoderate minutes contiguous to commencement having bully feelings for Wednesday.”

Inter Miami fertile 4th successful the MLS Eastern Conference, six points down MLS leaders Philadelphia, but with 3 matches successful hand.

Messi, left, celebrates with teammate Luis Suarez aft Inter Miami went up 3-1 successful the 89th infinitesimal [Chandan Khanna/AFP]

Source:

Al Jazeera and quality agencies