Messi returns and scores twice as Inter beat Miami Union 3-1

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. – Lionel Messi made a successful comeback after a long absence, scoring two goals and providing an assist for the third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

The Argentine star winger and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had not played for Inter Miami since June 1 due to national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

“A little tired because of the heat and humidity in Miami, but I wanted to come back so much after so long,” Messi said in Spanish on the Apple TV broadcast after the game. “I started training with the group and started to feel better.”

Messi, who began training again three weeks ago, showed no signs of rust or lingering effects from his injury in his performance, scoring two goals in four minutes midway through the first half to cancel out an early Philadelphia goal.

“What he did was more typical than anything else that happened tonight,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said in Spanish. “I'm glad he finished the game and played the 90 minutes. He felt good.”

Without Messi, Miami finished 8-2 and secured a spot in the MLS playoffs. Miami (19-4-5) also took the lead in the Supporters Shield standings with 62 points.

“It's nice to see that his injury has healed and he is as capable as before,” said Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel.

Luis Suárez provided an assist and secured Miami's victory with a goal off a Messi pass in second-half stoppage time. It was Suárez's 17th goal of the season.

Messi's first goal in the 26th minute levelled the game at 1-1. Suárez played a short pass near the wide box, where Messi picked it up, outmaneuvered Union defender Kai Wagner in the box and converted a shot that landed on the left post.

Four minutes later, Messi received a cross pass in the penalty area and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a shot from 13.6 meters.

However, a goal by Suárez in the 44th minute was disallowed after a video review showed offside.

“As the game progressed, we were in danger of losing control of the ball,” said Martino. “From the last 30 minutes of the first half onwards, we were able to control the ball better.”

Messi's healed ankle was kicked by Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan in the 67th minute as both fought for a loose ball. Messi fell to the ground resting his ankle, but quickly got back up and continued playing. Referee Sergii Boiko issued yellow cards to Sullivan and Martino, who argued for a harsher punishment against Sullivan.

In search of an equalizer, Philadelphia (7-12-9) repeatedly applied pressure in the second half before Messi played a pass into the middle to Suárez, who converted from 16 meters.

Before his absence, 37-year-old Messi had scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 12 league games this season.

The fans had barely settled in when Union striker Mikael Uhre surprised the home fans with a goal two minutes after the start of the game.

Messi had his first chance to score in the seventh minute with a free kick near the half-circle that was blocked by a wall of Philadelphia defenders.

For Inter Miami, the victory came at a price. Defender David Martinez had to leave the field early in the first half due to a groin injury, and his replacement Noah Allen also had to leave the field after suffering a blow to the head, according to Martino.

“We have to take it day by day and see how they recover and how they feel,” Martino said.

Both clubs resume league play with away games on Wednesday. Inter Miami will visit Atlanta on Tuesday, while Union visits New York City FC on Tuesday.

___

AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer