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, who quickly claimed a loose ball in his own half and then made his way towards the opposition goal, sending a well-timed pass between a pair of Union players as they sought to form a defense against Miami’s attack. Fafà Picault received Suarez’s pass and advanced closer to goal, sending the ball back to Suarez when the Uruguayan was yards from the penalty area.
Suarez then spotted Messi to his right and sent the ball in his direction. The World Cup winner outmaneuvered the Union’s Ian Glavinovich and scored from an angle with his right foot.
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. Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina won both games and qualified for the 2026 World Cup with five games left in South America’s qualification.
This is Messi’s second goal of the MLS season; he also has three goals in Concacaf Champions Cup play this season. His first goal was equally impressive, chipping Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan earlier this month.
Messi’s amazing feat was celebrated by imitating a tennis serve, likely a nod to the presence of major tennis stars in town for the Miami Open. He watched Novak Djokovic, who won against Grigor Dimitrov, leading to Djokovic’s match with Jakub Mensik in the finals.
“It’s a thrill to have his whole family here,” Djokovic mentioned, referring to Messi, on Friday. “It’s a tremendous honor. His contribution to sports over the last twenty years has been monumental. Having him watch me play live brings joy and a bit of pressure. It’s indicated differently when he brings his family. I was quite touched by that.”
