Messi shines in his return with two goals and one assist against Philadelphia Union.

Lionel Messi shone once again on the field after a period of absence due to injury, and he did so spectacularly. In his return to action with Inter Miami, the Argentine star not only scored two goals but also provided an assist in his team's 3-1 victory against the Philadelphia Union. This match, held at Chase Stadium, not only marked a milestone in his career but was also a moment of celebration for the fans who watched him return after nearly two months of rehabilitation.

Messi had been absent for the past few weeks, missing the double-header of South American qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to a ligament injury in his right ankle, sustained during the Copa América final on July 11. Since then, fans had been eagerly awaiting his return, and the wait was worth it. With his performance, the Rosario native demonstrated that he is ready to continue his career in MLS and continue making his mark on American soccer.

Messi's excitement was palpable when, after the match, he shared a message on his Instagram account that resonated deeply with his followers: “I missed nights like this. We keep adding up to reach our goals.” With over 3.8 million likes, his post was a clear indicator of the impact he has both on the field and in the hearts of his fans.

The match against the Philadelphia Union marked Messi's return to MLS after 105 days of absence. His last game had been a draw against Saint Louis on June 2, where he also left his mark with a goal. With this new brace, Messi has recorded a total of fourteen goals in sixteen matches, highlighting his ability to influence his team's results with impressive frequency.

However, the night was not without concerns. In the 72nd minute, Messi suffered a strong blow to the same ankle that had caused him problems in previous weeks. The scene generated tension, especially for his coach, Gerardo Martino, who did not hesitate to protest to the referees. Fortunately, Messi was able to continue, which is a relief for both fans and the coaching staff, as his presence on the field is crucial for the team's performance.

The victory for Inter Miami in this match not only solidifies them as leaders of the Eastern Conference with 62 points but also positions them as serious candidates for the Supporters’ Shield, the trophy awarded to the best team in the regular season. With five consecutive wins, the team is showing exceptional performance and maintaining high morale as they head into the playoffs.

Messi's participation is also creating a new atmosphere in the Inter Miami locker room. The connection he has established with Luis Suárez, his teammate and old acquaintance from FC Barcelona, has become evident. Messi's recent assist to Suárez, who now has 17 goals in MLS, has reignited the spark of one of the most effective duos in world soccer. This synergy translates into more scoring opportunities and hope for the team’s future.

Moreover, Messi's impact on Inter Miami transcends the numbers on the scoreboard. His presence on the field elevates the game of his teammates and creates an electric atmosphere among the fans. Chase Stadium, filled with supporters, vibrated with every play by Messi, highlighting his drawing power and undeniable influence on the sport.

Messi's return is undoubtedly a cause for joy not only for Inter Miami fans but for soccer in general. Every match he plays is a celebration of the talent and history of one of the greatest footballers of all time. As the season progresses, expectations around Inter Miami continue to grow, and Messi's presence promises to keep everyone on edge in every match.