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Lionel Messi inspired his Inter Miami side to an impressive 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union on Saturday (September 14) in his first game for the club since July. The result moved them closer to a piece of MLS history, as they remain on course to break the regular season points record.
The result in Miami puts the Herons on 62 points, 10 points clear of FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference and seven clear of LA Galaxy in the West. Having played 28 matches, Tata Martino's side are on a run of 2.21 points per game. They could break the regular season record of 73 points set by New England Revolution in 2021, as they have six games left.
For a side that was rock bottom of the MLS in 2023 and failed to make the playoffs at the end of the season, Inter Miami have come a long way. Since signing Lionel Messi last summer, the Herons have undergone a remarkable transformation that has them leading the way in the MLS.
Lionel Messi was out with an ankle problem since July, but the side thrived in his absence. The 37-year-old returned in style, scoring twice and assisting one more to help them win 3-1 against Philadelphia Union.
Inter Miami have already booked a place in the playoffs in August while their talismanic captain was out injured. The Herons are on course to win the Supporters Shield for the first time in their history, a year on from winning the Leagues Cup. With the MLS Cup also still to play for, the Herons can end up winning the double.
Lionel Messi inspires Inter Miami to win on return
Lionel Messi wasted no time to announce his return to full fitness as he propelled Inter Miami to a convincing win over Philadelphia Union. The Argentine great scored twice and registered an assist to hand his side all three points.
Philadelphia Union took a shock lead just two minutes into the game after news of Messi starting had overshadowed the build-up. Threatening to tear up the script, Mikael Uhre put the visitors in front.
Inter Miami responded in the 26th minute after Luis Suarez found Messi, who left a defender for dead before slotting home a trademark finish. Four minutes later, Jordi Alba set up the 37-year-old to score his second of the night, turning the game on its head.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Messi turned provider for Suarez to score a third goal in added time and seal the win. Lionel Messi has now contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in only 13 appearances in the MLS this season.
