Florida, Sep 15 (V7N) – After a two-month injury hiatus, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the field, scoring twice and providing an assist as Inter Miami secured a commanding 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union.

Messi, who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia, made his much-anticipated comeback at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida on Sunday morning (Bangladesh time). His performance was instrumental in Miami's victory, with an assist for Luis Suarez’s goal and two strikes of his own.

Philadelphia Union took an early lead in just the second minute, with Mikel Ari scoring a low shot past Miami’s defense. However, Messi soon sparked a comeback. In the 26th minute, he set up Luis Suarez, who netted the equaliser with a powerful right-footed shot. Just four minutes later, Messi himself scored to give Miami the lead, capitalising on a pass from Jordi Alba.

The second half saw both teams striving for more goals, but it wasn’t until added time that Messi once again provided a moment of magic. In the 98th minute, Suarez found the back of the net with a left-footed shot from Messi’s assist, sealing a 3-1 victory for Miami.

This win marked Miami’s 19th victory in 28 games, securing their place in the playoffs as the top team from the Eastern Conference with 62 points. Cincinnati, in second place, trails with 52 points.

Inter Miami will next face Atlanta United in their upcoming league match on Thursday morning (Bangladesh time).

END/RH/AJ