The Herons kept their unbeaten start to 2025 alive, courtesy of a second-half winner from the Argentine superstar
Lionel Messi returned to competitive action for Inter Miami on Saturday evening, coming off the bench to score a brilliant solo goal in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union. The victory sent to the top of both the MLS Supporters' Shield standings and the Eastern Conference.
In a matchup between the league’s top two teams entering Matchday 6, Miami and Philadelphia delivered a thrilling contest, with Javier Mascherano’s side emerging victorious.
The hosts struck first when Finland international Robert Taylor finished off a well-worked move midway through the first half. A pinpoint Jordi Alba cross found U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi, who set up Taylor for a one-time finish in the box.
Trailing at halftime, the Union brought on U.S. international Indiana Vassilev, but 10 minutes later, Messi entered the fray – and wasted no time making his mark.
Just two minutes after coming on, the Argentine received a pass from Luis Suárez, danced through defenders with dazzling footwork, and slotted home a stunning finish to double Miami’s lead.
Philadelphia fought back, pulling one back in the 80th minute when Daniel Gazdag converted a cross from U.S. youth international Quinn Sullivan – older brother of teenage phenom Cavan. But it wasn’t enough, as Miami held firm to secure the win.
The match was heated, with the hosts picking up seven yellow cards, but the three points were crucial in keeping Miami atop the standings.
Now, face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. If Saturday’s performance was any indication, they remain as dangerous as ever.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…
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Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Another solid showing in net, though he was not tested too much. Subbed off late due to injury.
Jordi Alba (7/10):
Fantastic initial ball to Cremaschi for the opener. Solid on his flank all day.
Maxi Falcon (7/10):
Continues to be Miami's best defender. Impressive performance keeping Tai Baribo quiet.
Tomas Aviles (5/10):
Exposed on Philly's goal; a trend throughout the evening. He was out of position – a trend that happens more often than not with the Argentine youngster.
Ian Fray (5/10):
Really exposed on the Union's goal. Perhaps his lone error, he was caught out of position.
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Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Ran the tempo of the match with veteran leadership and experience. Controlled the pace of the match, speeding up and slowing down when needed. Really solid performance.
Benjamin Cremaschi (8/10):
Splendid assist. Was calm, composed and took his opportunity on the day to excel. Well done.
Federico Redondo (6/10):
Not quite the performance he wanted, but he didn't put a foot wrong, either. Just struggled to stand out.
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Robert Taylor (8/10):
Fantastic run leading to Miami's opening goal, and a tidy finish, too. His first start of the season, he didn't look a step behind – unlucky to be subbed off
Luis Suarez (5/10):
Continues to not quite be the goal-scoring threat he was last year. Struggled in transition, but played a lovely assist to Messi for the winner.
Fafa Picault (6/10):
Was solid in a rare start. Provided leadership, while being a threat on the counter and aerial prowess in the box. However, missed his mark on the lone Union goal, failing to track back.
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Lionel Messi (9/10):
Simply brilliant. A fantastic goal and a fantastic cameo off the bench in his return.
Telasco Segovia (6/10):
Not the most dynamic showing. Could have used more from him off the bench.
Yannick Bright (6/10):
Replaced Redondo. Helped keep the midfield tempo.
Drake Callender (N/A):
Subbed on for the closing stages of the match due to an Ustari injury. His first minutes of 2025.
Noah Allen (N/A):
Subbed on with minutes to spare.
Javier Mascherano (8/10):
He trusted MLS experience against a really, really good Philadelphia side. He showed growth on the touchline with the rotation, and his substitution patterns. Well done.