Messi Magic: Spectacular Goal and Brilliant Assist Seal Late Victory for Miami Over Galaxy

Messi Returns in Style: Goal + Assist Lift Inter Miami Past LA Galaxy

Lionel Messi needed just 45 minutes to remind everyone why he remains Major League Soccer’s biggest game-changer. Returning from a two-week injury layoff, the Argentine maestro scored a stunning solo goal and set up Luis Suárez for another as **Inter Miami beat LA Galaxy 3-1** on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.

Messi, who had been sidelined with a muscle issue in his right leg, entered at halftime with the score level. By the 84th minute, he had flipped the game on its head. Picking up the ball deep in Galaxy’s half, Messi glided past a defender and unleashed a trademark left-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Miami a 2-1 lead.

Just five minutes later, the World Cup winner turned provider. Collecting a pass from Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Messi produced a delicate backheel flick to set up Suárez, who buried Miami’s third goal of the night.

Despite visibly clutching at his hamstring during stretches of the second half, Messi was decisive when it mattered most. Head coach **Javier Mascherano** admitted the star wasn’t fully fit but praised his impact:

“He’s an extraordinary player. I also saw that he wasn’t 100% comfortable. As the minutes went by, he loosened up more. What matters is how he feels tomorrow — we’ll take it day by day.”

Records and Race for the Boot

Messi’s goal was his **19th of the season**, pushing him to the top of the MLS Golden Boot race. With **30 goal contributions (19 goals, 11 assists)**, he became the first player to hit that mark this year, closing in on his league-leading 38 from last season.

At 38 years old, Messi also extended another unique streak — he has now scored in each of his last four substitute appearances for Miami.

The Barcelona Connection

Miami’s opener came in the 43rd minute when **Jordi Alba**, played through by **Sergio Busquets**, finished coolly to make it 1-0. Galaxy equalized in the 59th minute through **Joseph Paintsil**, but the ex-Barcelona trio of Alba, Busquets, and Messi ultimately carried the night for the Herons.

The win came at a crucial moment. Without Messi, Miami fell 4-1 to Orlando City in the Leagues Cup last week. Saturday’s result keeps their Supporters’ Shield hopes alive.

Mascherano summed it up best:

>“Vital, vital. You can lose, but not in the way we did last weekend. If we want to compete until the end, the details become more and more vital.”