The Argentine superstar delivered a stunning reminder of his value to Miami with an 83rd minute strike against Galaxy to give his side a 2-1 lead
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scores winner in returnLate winner moves Miami into fourth place in Eastern ConferenceLuis Suarez added a third goal in added time to make it 3-1Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Lionel Messi capped his return from injury with a dramatic 83rd minute goal as Inter Miami defeated LA Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium. After missing the last three games, the Argentine legend started on the bench before entering as a half-time substitute with his side leading 1-0. However, Joseph Pantsil’s 59th minute equaliser meant that the scores were level going into the final minutes until Messi stepped up. The Argentine danced past two defenders on the edge of the box before firing a low, well driven shot in the bottom left corner beyond the goalkeeper.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP
Here's Messi's 83rd-minute goal.
AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The goal marks Messi’s 19th of the league season and puts him into the lead in the race for the Golden Boot, ahead of Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge (18) and joint third place Evander, Eric Maxim-Choupo Moting, and Tai Baribo (15).
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy has moved them into fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 45 points from 24 league games. They face Tigres UANL next in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Aug. 20 followed by an away game against D.C. United on Aug. 23.