Lionel Messi made a decisive impact in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on Saturday night, scoring and assisting in the final minutes to secure victory in his return from injury.

The Argentine forward, who had missed the previous two matches due to a right hamstring strain sustained during a Leagues Cup fixture against Necaxa on August 2, began the game on the bench but entered at the start of the second half.

Despite several missed opportunities earlier in the match, Messi broke the deadlock in the 84th minute with a signature left-footed strike from distance after weaving past defenders. 

Moments later, he delivered a deft back-heel assist to Luis Suárez, sealing the win with a third goal for Miami.

Messi’s goal marked his 19th of the season, keeping him atop the MLS scoring chart. The result was a crucial rebound for Inter Miami, who had dropped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference following a 4-1 defeat to Orlando last week.

Earlier in the match, Jordi Alba opened the scoring for Miami late in the first half, converting a precise through ball from Sergio Busquets.

LA Galaxy equalised in the 59th minute through Joseph Paintsil. Despite being the reigning MLS Cup champions, the Galaxy currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

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