🎥 Like he never left! Messi marks his Miami return with historic brace

OneFootball

Adam Booker·15 September 2024

🎥 Like he never left! Messi marks his Miami return with historic brace

It was always written in the stars when Leo Messi was named to the Inter Miami starting XI against Philadelphia this evening. Like the Messi of old, the great one has added his name to the scoresheet on his return with a four-minute brace.

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Philadelphia Union1

Highlights: Inter Miami CF 3-1 Philadelphia Union (MLS)

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After the Union took a shock lead inside the opening 60 seconds, the Herons pushed for a leveler, and who else would step up with two goals in four minutes but Messi himself.

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He pulled Miami level before the half-hour mark after pulling off a stunning move on the edge of the box before slotting home.

LIKE HE NEVER LEFT. Leo Messi finds the equalizer for @InterMiamiCF in style.
– Sunday, 15 September 2024

Then just four minutes later, the Argentine darted into the box to get on the end of a Jordi Alba cross and nab the lead for the home side.

A dream return for Messi! Two goals in the space of a few minutes & Miami are flying. 💥💥
– Sunday, 15 September 2024

With a brace tonight, @InterMiamiCF's Lionel Messi has produced 15 goals and 15 assists in his first 19 @MLS games, becoming the fastest player in league history to do so. Messi accomplished this 10 games quicker than the previous record holder (Sebastian Giovinco, 29 games).
– Sunday, 15 September 2024

Messi was out for 105 days, the second-longest in-season injury layoff of his professional career, but it's like he never left!