Lionel Messi made an instant impact on his return to action for Inter Miami as he scored in a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
The 37-year-old scored Miami’s second less than two minutes after coming off the bench in the second half.
Messi collected a quick pass from Luis Suarez on the edge of the box and fired a shot past two Philadelphia defenders .
MIAMI WINS 👊💗 pic.twitter.com/WN0yrinygl
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 30, 2025
Miami had taken the lead in the 23rd minute through Robert Taylor as they went in search of a club record five games unbeaten at the start of the season.
Philadelphia striker Daniel Gazdag responded with a goal late in the second half, but it was not enough to stop the hosts moving above their visitors to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Messi was cleared to play after an abductor injury forced him to sit out two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina.
Inter Miami will continue their CONCACAF Champions League campaign against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday.
