Inter Miami's Messi Scores Crucial Goal in Comeback Victory

Lionel Messi scores crucial goal in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over LA Galaxy, rising to fourth place in Eastern Conference standings.

Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury, scoring in the 84th minute to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy. The Argentine superstar entered the game as a reserve in the second half, replacing Telasco Segovia, and netted a crucial goal with assistance from Rodrigo de Paul. This win marked a significant moment for Inter Miami, who rose to fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min earned his first career MLS win as LAFC defeated New England Revolution 2-0. Marco Delgado scored LAFC's first goal in the 51st minute, while Mathieu Choiniere added the insurance goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, assisted by Son.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi's injury was “something very small” and that the three training sessions leading up to the match went well. Mascherano added, “The important thing is that the match ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We have to see how he feels tomorrow.”

Messi's Return

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, returned to the field after missing two games due to a minor muscle injury. He came on as a reserve in the second half, replacing Telasco Segovia, and scored the winning goal in the 84th minute.

MIAMI WINS 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/IahXSDazDj

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 17, 2025

“We had planned the match to give minutes to Leo. The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find sensations,” Mascherano said. ”I didn't see him after the game. Tomorrow we'll see what feelings he had.”

“He's an extraordinary player. I saw that he was clearly not 100 percent comfortable, but as the minutes went by, he was loosening up more and more. We will have to see how he ended with the fatigue.”

Jordi Alba scored for Miami in the 43rd minute, but Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.

Messi scored in the 84th and Luis Suarez added an insurance tally in the 89th off an assist from Messi to produce the final victory margin.

Lionel Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, has impressive stats this season with 19 goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances for Inter Miami. He's been instrumental in the team's success, including their Leagues Cup win in 2023. Miami is currently ranked fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind Philadelphia, but with three matches in hand.

Coach Mascherano's Insights

Messi's coach, Javier Mascherano, shared insights into the player's approach to the game. “He wants to play every single game,” Mascherano said. “You have to understand why Leo is Leo. He always wants to be on the pitch. He's happy there. Sometimes we try to explain to him that we have to go slowly, but when he feels good, he knows himself like no one else.” Mascherano's comments highlight Messi's dedication and passion for the sport.

Inter Miami is set to face Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Mascherano's strategy for Messi's participation in the match will likely play a crucial role in the team's performance. “In the end, we tried to give him some minutes today to start having good feelings for Wednesday,” Mascherano added, indicating that Messi's fitness and readiness for the upcoming match are top priorities.

Son Heung-min's Breakthrough Moment

Son Heung-min, the South Korean international and former Tottenham Hotspur striker, secured his first MLS victory in his first start for LAFC. The team won 2-0 against New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium, with Son playing a crucial role in the outcome.

Match Highlights

LAFC's Goals: Marco Delgado opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, thanks to Son's hold-up play. Mathieu Choinière sealed the win with a one-touch finish, assisted by Son's perfectly weighted through ball in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Son's Performance: Son was dominant on the pitch, creating four chances and receiving an 8.5 rating from FootMob. His performance earned him Player of the Match honors on Apple TV.

Impact on LAFC

Son's seamless integration into LAFC has been impressive, with the team's coach, Steve Cherundolo, praising his positive attitude, technical ability, and experience. Son's presence has not only elevated the team's performance but also boosted their commercial success, with his jersey becoming the highest-selling in the world.

Marco Delgado scored LAFC's first goal in the 51st minute, helping the team secure a 2-0 win over New England Revolution. Delgado's goal was followed by Mathieu Choiniere's insurance goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, assisted by Son Heung-min.

LAFC currently ranks fifth in the Western Conference with 40 points from 24 matches, trailing San Diego FC by nine points. However, LAFC has two matches in hand, providing opportunities to close the gap and climb the standings.