The legend Messi did not delay in confirming his return after a long absence that lasted two months due to injury, and regained his strength and activity, scoring a double in addition to an assist, contributing to his team Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over its guest Philadelphia Union in the American Football League.
Philadelphia Union took the lead in the second minute through Danish striker Michael Yohri with a low left-footed shot from outside the area, but Messi responded strongly with two goals in four minutes.
The 37-year-old veteran equalised in the 26th minute after a pass from his former Barcelona teammate, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, outside the penalty area. He played around a defender and penetrated inside before following it with his right foot, creeping to the right of goalkeeper Andrew Ric. He gave his team the lead after a pass from his other former teammate at the Catalan club, Spanish defender Jordi Alba, inside the penalty area, and he followed it with his left foot, creeping to the left of goalkeeper Ric (30).
Messi continued his brilliance and returned the gift to Suarez with a decisive pass from which he scored the third goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time with a right-footed shot from the edge of the area that he placed to the right of goalkeeper Rick.
Messi has been sidelined since Argentina’s Copa America triumph over Colombia on July 14 with an ankle injury.
Messi played his first match for Inter Miami since June 1, when the American team was deprived of the services of its star player for eight league matches.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also missed his country’s final two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in early September.
., and the latest political and economic developments via Google News
