WATCH: Lionel Messi scores incredible brace for Inter Miami in 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union
Lionel Messi returned from injury and scored an incredible brace for Inter Miami in their 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the MLS on Saturday, September 14. It was a brilliant performance from the legendary Argentine playmaker, who had been out injured since the final of the Copa America on July 14 (EST).
The visitors scored in the second minute of the game, with Philadelphia striker Mikael Uhre powering an impressive shot into the bottom corner from range. However, the game soon turned for Inter Miami, as their captain made his impact in the 26th minute.
It was a return to Barcelona days, as Jordi Alba played the ball into Luis Suarez, whose one-touch pass into Lionel Messi's feet opened up space. The Argentine legend beat his marker with a deft touch before unleashing a low drive into the bottom corner:
Only four minutes later, it was another combination born in Barcelona, as Jordi Alba teed up Lionel Messi in the middle of the box for a one-time finish:
Deep in injury time, the time the trio spent at Camp Nou paid off once more, as Lionel Messi assisted Luis Suarez, who added his name to the scoresheet.
It will be a match for Philadelphia to rue, as they were not clinical enough in the final third. While they did not have the lion's share of the possession - 38% to Inter Miami's 62%, they had the vast majority of the shots on goal, as well as big chances.
The visitors took 21 shots at goal with eight on target, but their only goal came from Uhre early on. They also underperformed their xG of 1.85, as they had two big chances, which they missed. Miami, while taking only nine shots at goal with four on target, were much more clinical. They had an xG of 1.13, but took their chances well.
The Herons dominated possession, and it is no surprise that they completed 515 passes (88% accuracy). Philadelphia had much less of the ball, completing only 293 passes (84% accuracy).
How Inter Miami fared during Lionel Messi's long absence
It was exactly two months since the day Lionel Messi fell to the turf while Argentina faced Colombia in the Copa America final. He had to come off injured with a swollen ankle, while his teammates went on to win the competition in extra time.
His appearances for Argentina in the summer meant that he had not played for Inter Miami since he scored in their 3-3 draw against St. Louis on June 2. However, even in the absence of their captain, the Herons sparkled, winning all of their matches, except on July 7, when Cincinnati handed them a 6-1 beating.
They won eight games out of nine without Lionel Messi on the pitch to aid them, and they were glad to have him back in the match against Philadelphia. His brace will be a warning sign that the captain is back from injury, as Inter Miami sit 10 points adrift in the Eastern Conference.