In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the field, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 29, 2025. After missing the March international break due to an adductor injury, Messi came off the bench in the 55th minute and scored just two minutes later, solidifying Miami's position at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Inter Miami was coming into the game with a strong record of three wins and a draw, while Philadelphia Union, boasting four wins and a single defeat, was sitting atop the table. The atmosphere was electric, with fans anticipating a fierce battle between the two teams.
Inter Miami struck first in the 23rd minute when Robert Taylor found the back of the net. The goal was a result of excellent teamwork, with assists from Jordi Alba and Benjamin Cremaschi, showcasing Miami's attacking prowess. Taylor's goal marked his first of the season and his 13th career goal in MLS.
As the first half progressed, Miami maintained their 1-0 lead, heading into halftime with a solid performance. However, the real excitement came when Messi entered the match. Coach Javier Mascherano had been cautious with Messi's minutes, aiming to protect the team's star player ahead of a busy schedule that included the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Upon his introduction, Messi wasted no time making an impact. Just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch, he received a pass from Luis Suárez, maneuvered past a defender, and slotted the ball into the net, extending Miami's lead to 2-0. The crowd erupted in celebration, demonstrating just how crucial Messi is to the team's success.
Despite being down, Philadelphia Union fought back valiantly. Daniel Gazdag managed to score in the 80th minute, narrowing Miami's lead to just one goal. The Union's efforts intensified as they sought to equalize, but Miami's defense held strong, allowing them to secure the win.
Messi's goal marked his second in three matches this season, proving once again that even with limited minutes, he can change the course of a game. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, especially after dealing with injuries that had sidelined him during the international break.
After the match, Coach Mascherano expressed his satisfaction with Messi's performance, stating, "We wanted him to get some minutes, and the idea was maybe for him to get 30-35, and with the additional time he played more, but he felt good. We didn’t want to risk him from the start, playing him the whole match. But he finished strong and made us all really happy.”
The victory not only propelled Inter Miami to first place in the Eastern Conference with 13 points but also showcased their resilience and depth as a team. With an undefeated record across all competitions, including four wins in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Miami is proving to be a formidable force this season.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces a grueling schedule with five matches in just 15 days, including a critical Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against LAFC on April 2. As they prepare for this intense stretch, the team will rely heavily on Messi's leadership and experience.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union will regroup as they head back home to face Orlando City next Saturday. Despite the loss, they remain a strong contender in the Eastern Conference and will look to bounce back quickly.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Messi and Inter Miami as they strive for success in both MLS and international competitions. The excitement surrounding this team is palpable, and with Messi back in form, fans can expect more thrilling moments in the weeks to come.
