Miami handed boost as Messi scores brace on return ahead of final MLS game
Lionel Messi scored two goals before halftime in his first start in over five weeks after he was ruled fit to play for Argentina on Tuesday night.
Messi was named in the starting line-up as Argentina faced Peru in a World Cup qualifier, with the reigning champions top of their group ahead of South American rivals Brazil and Uruguay. It was brilliant news for Argentina fans, and they were blessed with a trademark first-time finish after 32 minutes.
He scored a second just nine minutes later, finding the bottom-left corner from close range after Argentina broke through the Peru defence. It was the Messi show on Tuesday, as the game ended 2-0.
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His return means he could start Inter Miami's final game of the MLS regular season, although there could be some issues with the turf. Messi also played all 90 minutes, which won't encourage the Miami coaching staff.
The last time Messi started a game was September 8, when he scored the only goal of the game against Ecuador to strengthen their World Cup qualifying hopes. The last game he started in MLS was September 4, when he assisted twice in a 3-1 win against Los Angeles FC.
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Since then, he's played just 72 minutes for Miami and missed six games through injury, disappointing thousands of fans who paid extortionate ticket fees in the hopes of seeing him play. But his return to the starting line-up means he's likely to start in their final game of the season at Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Messi's impact at Miami has been astronomical, bringing a whole new audience to MLS and also handing franchise owner David Beckham his first trophy since founding the team. Messi helped Miami win the Leagues Cup trophy, and they made the final of the US Open Cup before losing to Nashville SC with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner out injured.
It was an incredible comeback in Miami's season, especially as they were bottom of the Eastern Conference in MLS when Messi signed. But, through a mixture of injury and reported scepticism over playing on artificial turf, after a strong start his MLS presence has been limited in recent months.
Miami were ruled out of playoff contention weeks ago, and only Toronto FC are below them now in the Eastern Conference. They're just playing for pride through their final two games of the season, one of which Messi will miss due to being on international duty.
Charlotte will play Miami twice this week, the first game falling on Wednesday at DRV PNK Stadium before their second clash in North Carolina on Saturday night. Charlotte shares their turf with NFL team Carolina Panthers, who host the Houston Texans the following day.
However, it's not guaranteed that Messi will play, or at least start, due to the ongoing mystery over whether he is willing to play on artificial turf. The surface at Bank of America Stadium was changed to synthetic grass in 2021 following a renovation.
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