Lionel Messi came back from a muscle injury and once again made the difference. Against the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Argentine started on the bench, came on at halftime, and was decisive in Inter Miami’s 3–1 win in Major League Soccer. In just 45 minutes, he scored the goal that put his team back in front and then set up Luis Suárez with a clever backheel assist.
That was enough to leave him alone atop the MLS goal list with 19 in 19 and to reinforce the impression that, even at the ripe old age of 38, he still dictates the pace of games without impunity.
The difference when Messi plays
The first half was much-balanced. Jordi Alba started the game with a goal after Busquets had made the pass, but Joseph Paintsil leveled the score with a one-on-one play that was blessed with pace and accuracy. The Galaxy had appeared, until then, to be able to make life difficult for Miami. All of this changed the moment Messi entered the pitch.
The team gained more confidence, passes began to find their mark, and gaps started opening. His 83rd-minute strike summarized his match: control on the edge of the box, two quick dribbles to shake off defenders, and a planted shot into the corner. Five minutes later, his backheel freed Suárez to seal the win. It was a short performance in terms of length, but colossal in regards to its importance.
A seasoned player who's still influential
This campaign attests that Messi is continuing to score like the player in his prime. He has 25 goals and 11 assists already in 31 matches for Inter Miami. He also broke a record against the Galaxy, becoming the second-fastest player to reach 40 MLS goals, doing it in 44 games, second only to Josef Martínez.
What really sets him apart, however, is that he is reliable. He comes off a layoff, not yet playing at the top of his rhythm, and still delivers. That's why he's still the league's biggest name, even playing against other young players and well-mannered teams. And with that, every time Messi steps out onto the field, MLS hits headlines far beyond American shores.