FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took a pass from Luis Suarez on the right side of the penalty box, made a quick move and sent a right-footed shot past two Philadelphia defenders into the net for a 2-0 Inter Miami lead.
It was Messi's second goal in three Major League Soccer matches this season. He did not start the match, but was cleared to play earlier in the week after missing some time — including two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina — with an adductor injury.