Sidelined by a right hamstring injury sustained in the August 2nd victory against Necaxa, Messi missed the subsequent two matches. By the August 17th game against LA Galaxy, the 38-year-old forward hadn't fully recovered to start. He began the match on the bench alongside Rodrigo De Paul.

Inter Miami maintained a strong performance throughout the first half. In the 43rd minute, Sergio Busquets delivered a penetrating pass from midfield, bypassing four LA Galaxy players, setting up Jordi Alba for a close-range finish to open the scoring.

Messi celebrates his goal during Inter Miami's 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on August 17th. Photo: AP

Messi entered the game at the start of the second half. However, before the 38-year-old could find his rhythm, the visitors unexpectedly equalized. Joseph Paintsil made a powerful run down the left wing, past two defenders, and unleashed a shot that deflected off goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and into the net.

Following the conceded goal, Inter Miami faced the prospect of three consecutive winless MLS matches. Their previous two games had ended in a 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati and a 1-4 defeat to Orlando City. But in the 84th minute, Messi emerged as the hero, saving his team. The captain embarked on a decisive run through two midfielders before striking a low shot from 20 meters into the far corner, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead.

With the momentum shifting in their favor, Inter Miami's attack intensified. In the 89th minute, receiving a through ball from midfield, Luis Suarez broke free and slotted a shot across the goal to seal a 3-1 victory.

The win against LA Galaxy serves as excellent preparation for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup quarter-final match on August 21st. If they overcome UANL (Mexico) in the quarter-finals, Inter Miami will advance to the semi-finals to face the winner of the Orlando City - Toluca match.

Thanh Quy