Lionel Messi returned from injury Saturday night and finished with a goal and an assist to propel host Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba also scored to help Inter Miami (13-5-6, 45 points) bounce back following a 4-1 loss last Sunday against host Orlando City SC and secure a much-needed three points in the chase for the Supporter’s Shield.
Messi, who had missed Miami’s previous three matches across all competitions with a thigh injury, did not start but entered the game at the start of the second half.
With the match knotted 1-1 in the 84th minute, Messi took a ball at the top of the box and delivered one of his signature individual efforts to put Miami ahead for good.
Messi juked past the Galaxy’s Lucas Sanabri