Messi shines on return with goal and assist

Lionel Messi spearheaded Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy on Saturday, marking his return from an injury sustained in the Leagues Cup against Necaxa. Messi, along with compatriot Rodrigo de Paul, started the match on the bench.

Without their captain, Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through Jordi Alba, after a masterful Sergio Busquets assist put him through on goal. Inter Miami led 1-0 at the break.

De Paul and Messi, who had been sidelined since August 2nd after coming off injured in the 11th minute of the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, were introduced at the start of the second half. LA Galaxy equalised in the 59th minute, courtesy of Ghanaian forward Joseph Paintsil.

In the dying minutes, Messi took control, scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute with a powerful, low drive from outside the box, threading it through a cluster of defenders. The Argentine then produced an exquisite backheel assist for his friend, Uruguayan Luis Suarez, to seal the 3-1 victory.

Inter Miami, who will face Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, now sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with 45 points, three games fewer than leaders Philadelphia, who have 51 points.