Lionel Messi collects 2 goals, assist in Inter Miami return

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi marked his return to the pitch Saturday night at Chase Stadium with two goals and one assist while playing a full 90 minutes to inspire Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

The Argentina forward spent two months on the sideline after suffering a right ankle injury during the Copa America final July 14. He last played for Inter Miami on June 1 in an MLS match against St. Louis City before returning to the starting lineup Saturday.

“A little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help much, but I really wanted to get back, it was a lot of time off the field,” Messi told Apple TV after the match. “Little by little I found myself with the group, I felt good and that’s why we decided that I would start. I am very happy.” 

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said Messi’s 90-minute participation was, in part, due to his ability to make a difference at any point.

“I’m happy that he finished the game well, that he was able to complete 90 minutes, that he felt good,” Martino said. “Messi and [Luis] Suarez both played the entire game, because they were good to finish the game. The reality is that it is very difficult to remove players who are so differential because they appear and resolve at any time. In the position we were in and everything we have ahead of us, the risk is one to take. That is to say, we no longer have the obligation to think about the playoffs because we have already achieved it. Now we have to think about the achievements that can occur in the short term. And the risks, I’m not saying excessively, but we are going to take the risks.”

Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in 19 games. Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record, completing the feat in 29 games.

Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points in 28 games and a 19-4-5 record. The team remains on course to break the league’s record for most points in a regular season.

The Herons visit Atlanta United on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They have six games left before the playoffs.