Sun Sep 15 04:57:24 UTC 2024: ## Messi Returns in Style, Leading Inter Miami to Victory Over Philadelphia

**Miami, FL** – Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the field for Inter Miami CF on Saturday night, scoring two goals and assisting another in a resounding 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union. This marked Messi’s first competitive game in 62 days after an injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa América final victory.

The Argentine superstar looked as sharp as ever, bagging a brace within three minutes in the first half, with assists from Jordi Alba. Luis Suárez added a third goal to secure the victory.

“I was really eager to come back after a long time off the field,” Messi said through a translator. “Little by little, I started training with the team, felt good, and that’s why we decided I would start. Very happy, very pleased.”

Messi’s return has solidified Inter Miami’s dominance in the MLS. With 14 goals and 14 assists in just over 1,100 minutes, he currently sits fifth in the MLS Golden Boot race. The “Herons” hold a commanding lead in the Supporters’ Shield race, having clinched an Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs spot in late August and on track to potentially set a single-season points record.

“We know the squad we have, and [winning the Supporters’ Shield] is a goal,” Messi stated. “We are realistic and take responsibility. We had a lot of bad luck with injuries throughout the year, but the team always pushed forward. Today, we are in first place with a big lead, and deservedly so. Hopefully, we can finish at the top for what it means and for what’s to come after as well.”

With six regular season games remaining, the eyes of the MLS are firmly on Miami and their superstar captain as they pursue a historic season.

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