Lionel Messi is on the verge of breaking another record after he led Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, scoring twice and providing an assist.
The Argentina national team captain had been sidelined since injuring his ankle during the Copa America final win over Colombia in July.
This caused him to miss recent World Cup qualifiers and eight matches for his Major League Soccer team, despite them leading the standings in the Eastern Conference.
However, the 37-year-old former Barcelona player made a triumphant return in his first start for Inter Miami in three months, playing the full 90 minutes and impressing with his performance on the field.
Philadelphia scored an early goal in the first minute through Mikael Uhre, but Messi equalized for Miami in the 26th minute with a brilliant strike after a pass from Luis Suarez, following a setup from Jordi Alba, another former Barcelona teammate.
Thereafter, he assisted Suarez in scoring Miami’s third goal in injury time at the end of the second half.
Messi’s impressive performance brought his goal tally for Inter Miami to 27, just two shy of the club’s all-time record held by Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Campana both having 29 goals each.
Meanwhile, the former Barcelona and PSG star has been instrumental in Miami’s success, leading the team to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
With two goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, 10 in the Leagues Cup, and 15 in Major League Soccer, Messi is closing in on the record.
It’s only a matter of time before the Argentine football maestro becomes Inter Miami’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Inter Miami all time top goalscorers
29 Gonzalo Higuain 29
29 Leonardo Campana 29
Lionel Messi 27
Luis Suarez 21
Robert Taylor 17
Josef Martinez 12
Matias Rojas 8
Diego Gomez 7
Lionel Messi Backs Inter Miami to Clinch MLS Supporters’ Shield
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to finish atop the MLS standings.
In an exclusive interview with Eduardo Biscayart for Apple TV, Messi emphasized that winning the Supporters’ Shield is the team’s primary objective.
The Argentine said:”We set our sights on the title from the beginning, and we’re taking responsibility for it,” Messi stated. “Despite injuries hampering our progress, the team has shown remarkable resilience.”
Messi, who has played only 13 games this season due to injury, acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic.
He said, “The important thing is that the team has consistently pushed through. We’re currently in first place with a significant lead over FC Cincinnati, and our goal is to finish at the top.”
Securing the Supporters’ Shield would not only be a notable achievement but also provide momentum for the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi added: “With the Supporters’ Shield comes the opportunity to advance in the MLS Cup. We’re focused on achieving both.”
Inter Miami continues to lead the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 62 points.
What’s next for Lionel Messi?
Messi has the opportunity to make history by becoming Inter Miami’s all-time leading goalscorer in Inter Miami’s upcoming match against Atlanta United on Wednesday, September 18.
What’s your take on Messi’s stunning comeback? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below:
