The 38-year-old Argentine, sidelined since August 2 with what coach Javier Mascherano described as a minor hamstring strain, wasted no time in making his presence felt. Messi, who had missed Miami’s Leagues Cup win over Pumas UNAM and last weekend’s MLS loss to Orlando City, replaced Telasco Segovia in the second half.

“We planned to give him about 45 minutes so he could get his rhythm back,” Mascherano explained after the match. “He wasn’t 100 percent comfortable at first, but as the game went on he loosened up. The important thing is he finished the match well.”

Jordi Alba opened the scoring for Miami in the 43rd minute before Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th. Messi restored the lead in the 84th minute, and five minutes later, Luis Suárez sealed the victory with a goal assisted by Messi.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now registered 19 goals and 10 assists in just 19 MLS appearances this season. His return comes at a crucial time, with Inter Miami preparing to face Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.

“Leo always wants to play every game. That’s why he’s who he is,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes we tell him to take things slowly, but he knows his body better than anyone.”

The win keeps Inter Miami in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind leaders Philadelphia, though with three games in hand.

Source: Channels