Quick Read
- Lionel Messi returned from injury to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy.
- Messi scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute and assisted Luis Suárez for another late in the game.
- Jordi Alba opened the scoring for Miami, while Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy.
- The win moves Inter Miami to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
- Concerns remain over Messi’s lingering hamstring issue as the team prepares for a Leagues Cup quarterfinal.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time as he delivered a match-winning performance in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Returning from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for two games, Messi scored a stunning goal and assisted another late in the second half to secure all three points for his team.
Messi’s Return: A Game-Changing Substitution
Messi, who had been nursing a right hamstring strain since August 2 during a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, started the game on the bench. His entry at the start of the second half electrified the crowd at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano explained the decision to limit Messi’s playtime, saying, “The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find his rhythm. As the game progressed, I saw him getting more comfortable.”
Despite some visible signs of discomfort early on, Messi’s presence immediately lifted Miami’s performance. The team had taken the lead in the 43rd minute through Jordi Alba, who finished a brilliant assist from Sergio Busquets. However, LA Galaxy equalized in the 59th minute, courtesy of a dazzling solo effort from Ghanaian forward Joseph Paintsil. With the score tied, the stage was set for Messi’s magic.
Moments of Brilliance: Messi’s Goal and Assist
In the 84th minute, Messi reminded the world of his unmatched skill. Receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul just outside the box, the Argentine maestro danced past defenders Lucas Sanabria and Edwin Cerrillo before unleashing a left-footed shot that curled past Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Mićović. The goal was Messi’s 19th of the MLS season, reaffirming his position as the league’s leading scorer.
Just five minutes later, Messi showcased his playmaking ability. With a dazzling backheel pass, he set up Luis Suárez, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to secure a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami. It was Messi’s 10th assist of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a decisive player even when not fully fit.
Team Effort and Tactical Adjustments
Inter Miami’s victory was not just about Messi’s brilliance; the entire team played a crucial role. Jordi Alba’s opening goal highlighted the chemistry among Miami’s international stars, including Busquets and De Paul. Defensively, despite conceding a goal, players like Gonzalo Luján and goalkeeper Óscar Ustari held firm against a persistent LA Galaxy attack.
Mascherano’s tactical adjustments also played a key role. The decision to introduce Messi and De Paul at halftime injected energy and creativity into the team. Speaking to Al Jazeera after the match, Mascherano noted, “Messi is an extraordinary player. Even when he’s not at 100%, he can change the game in moments.”
Implications for Inter Miami’s Season
The win was a crucial one for Inter Miami, propelling them to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. After suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat against Orlando City the previous week, this victory marked a significant turnaround. With 45 points from 24 matches, Miami is now well-positioned to secure a playoff spot as the season enters its final stretch.
However, Messi’s lingering hamstring issue remains a concern. Mascherano confirmed that the team would assess Messi’s condition in the coming days, especially with a high-stakes Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL on the horizon. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Mascherano said, emphasizing the importance of managing Messi’s workload.
For LA Galaxy, the loss was a setback in their bid to defend their MLS Cup title. Currently mid-table in the Western Conference, the team will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As Inter Miami continues to chase glory this season, Messi’s performance against LA Galaxy serves as a reminder of his unparalleled ability to influence games. Even at 38 years old, the Argentine legend remains a game-changer, proving that class is permanent.