Lionel Messi scores 2 goals and assist as Inter Miami returns

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi made his return to the field at Chase Stadium on Saturday night, scoring two goals and providing an assist, playing 90 minutes and helping Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.

The Argentine forward spent two months sidelined after injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14. He last played for Inter Miami on June 1 in an MLS match against St. Louis City before returning to the starting lineup on Saturday.

“A little tired, the humidity and the heat of Miami don’t help much, but I really wanted to go back, it was a lot of time off the pitch,” Messi told Apple TV after the match. “Little by little I found myself back with the group, I felt good and that’s why we decided I would start. I’m very happy.”

According to Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, Messi’s 90-minute participation was partly due to his ability to make a difference at any moment.

“I’m happy that he finished the game well, that he was able to complete 90 minutes, that he felt good,” Martino said. “Messi and (Luis) Suarez both played the whole game, because they were good at finishing the game. The reality is that it is very difficult to remove players who are so differential, because they appear and dissolve at any moment. In the position we were in and everything we still have ahead of us, the risk is one to take. That is, we no longer have the obligation to think about the play-offs, because we have already achieved them. Now we have to think about the performances that can be delivered in the short term. And the risks, I don’t say exaggerated, but we are going to take the risks.”

Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in 19 games. Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record, completing the feat in 29 games.

Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points in 28 games and a 19-4-5 record. The team remains on track to break the league record for most points in a regular season.

The Herons visit Atlanta United on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with six games remaining in the playoffs.