Lionel Messis Quick Impact Leads Inter Miami to 2-1 Win Over Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami lineup on Saturday, making a quick impact after two weeks out with an adductor strain. The Argentine superstar subbed into the game in the 55th minute against the Philadelphia Union and scored his second goal of the MLS season just two minutes later.

The goal proved to be the difference for the Herons, who went on to win 2-1 after Messi's go-ahead score. Inter Miami had taken the early lead thanks to Robert Taylor's strike in the 23rd minute, but Philadelphia's Daniel Gazdag found the net in the 80th minute. However, that would be it for the Union as Messi's goal proved to be the deciding factor.

Messi had not played since March 16, having sustained a left adductor strain while missing a shot on goal against the Atlanta United. He sat out two international games for Argentina before returning Saturday. Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said Messi was progressing well entering the game.

"He knows his body very well, and the reality is that he has been training progressively more and more, and has joined in to do some training sessions with the group," Mascherano said of Messi, his former teammate with Barcelona and Argentina. "And today he will do the entire training session."

At 37 years old, Messi is entering his third MLS season and now has 23 career goals with the club in 28 matches. The win moved Inter Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference, and they will next face LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

With Messi back in the lineup, Inter Miami fans can look forward to seeing more of their star player's magic on the field. The Argentine superstar is a key player for the club and his return will undoubtedly be a boost for their chances of success in both the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League.