Lionel Messi scored his second MLS goal of the season in style on Saturday in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union, getting on the scoresheet after a well-taken strike with his right foot.
The impressive play started with Luis Suarez acting quickly to claim a loose ball in his own half and then making his way towards the opposition goal. He made a well-timed pass between a pair of Union players as they began to reposition in formation to counter Miami’s attack. Fafà Picault received Suarez’s pass and moved closer to the goal, sending the ball back to Suarez when he was adjacent to the penalty area.
Suarez then quickly spotted Messi to his right and passed the ball to him. The World Cup winner out-maneuvered the Union’s Ian Glavinovich and scored from an angle. Watch the strike below.
55’ - Messi subs on
57’ - Messi scores
Inevitable.
pic.twitter.com/JyBC0QWgr5 — Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 30, 2025
Messi scored just two minutes after coming on, marking his return from a short-term injury. He missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil this month with the injury, although Argentina won both games and qualified for the 2026 World Cup with five games to spare.
This is Messi’s second goal of the MLS season, but he has three additional goals in Concacaf Champions Cup play. His first MLS campaign strike was impressive as well, chipping Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan earlier in a 2-1 win.
Messi, Djokovic meet in Miami
Messi celebrated his goal by imitating a tennis serve, a potential nod to the numerous tennis stars present in Miami for the Miami Open, concluding on Sunday.
He attended the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday to watch Novak Djokovic, who overcame Grigor Dimitrov to reach the final. Djokovic stated that this was the first time Messi had watched him in person, and they exchanged gifts after the match.
An honor to meet the greatness and his whole family. Gracias Leo. Asta pronto 🙌💪 pic.twitter.com/E6NnuHJSv0 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 28, 2025
Djokovic expressed, “It’s a thrill to have his whole family here. He’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact in the sports world has been immense. To have him watch me live brings me great joy and a bit of pressure.”
