What an evening for superstar Lionel Messi!
The 2022 world champion scored a brace in his club Inter Miami’s 3-1 home win over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, marking a successful comeback after a two-month ankle injury.
However, the match started anything but ideally for the hosts, as Uhre put the visitors in front after just a few seconds (2′). Undeterred, Messi and co. fought back and took the lead within a few minutes thanks to two goals from the 37-year-old (26′, 30′).
As the game progressed, Miami had the chance to decide the match early. However, the apparent 3-1 goal by Suarez was disallowed by the referee with the help of VAR due to an offside position.
“I’m a little tired”
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The score remained close until the final phase, before Messi served Suarez perfectly in injury time and was directly involved in the 3-1 (90.+8).
After the match, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared exhausted. “I’m a little tired. The heat and humidity in Miami aren’t helping, but I really wanted to get back, I haven’t been on the pitch for a long time,” said the Argentine after the final whistle.
With this success, Miami extends its winning streak in the MLS and is now at the top of the Eastern Conference table. Philadelphia, on the other hand, is ranked eleventh.
Schöpf wins with Vancouver – Wolf draws with New York
In the parallel match, ÖFB legionnaire Alessandro Schöpf was in the starting eleven for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ 2-0 win against the San Jose Earthquakes and was on the field until the 84th minute. The goals for the hosts were scored by Picault (35th) and Armstrong (85th), who came on for Schöpf.
Fellow countryman Hannes Wolf also started New York City FC’s away draw against DC United and was substituted in the 85th minute. Rodriguez scored the goal for the visitors (32′), before Benteke equalized for the hosts with a penalty in the 67th minute.
In the table, the Whitecaps are in fifth place in the Western Conference, New York is sixth in the Eastern Conference.
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