"inter-miami"

Lionel Messi scored a brace and assisted in another goal as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 3-2 in a thrilling MLS encounter, with Tadeo Allende also contributing a goal

Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted once to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 win over CF Montreal, marking a strong return to MLS action after the Club World Cup

The win gave Messi's Inter Miami team just its second victory in its past eight matches.

A brace from captain Lionel Messi, a goal from Luis Suarez, and a crucial penalty save by Drake Callender sealed a historic 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew. With 68 points and two matches remaining, Inter Miami has secured the top spot in the MLS. If they win their final games, they'll set a new single-season points record.

The star player missed Albiceleste's September qualifiers against Chile and Colombia because of an ankle injury

The visitors struck early in the second minute when Mikael Uhre cut inside his marker and fired a long-range shot that deflected off goalkeeper Drake Callender's gloves into the net. Messi responded by dribbling past a defender and scoring with a low shot from his weaker right foot into the far corner.

The 37-year-old Argentina captain has been sidelined since sustaining ankle ligament damage during the Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final in July. However, he has now returned to full training and is expected to feature in Inter Miami's home match against Philadelphia on Saturday.

The team announced on Tuesday that Messi sustained a ligament injury in his right ankle, and his availability will be evaluated periodically during his rehabilitation.

The 36-year-old World Cup champion isn't thinking about joining an Argentine club to write the last chapter of playing career

According to Argentina's TyC Sports, Angel Di Maria's contract with Benfica is set to expire next month, and Inter Miami is leading the race to sign the 36-year-old player.

In Wednesday night's match at Inter Miami's newly named Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, former Barcelona teammates will take the spotlight, although their starting positions are not guaranteed.

Thursday's Second Match: Messi and Ronaldo May Share the Pitch if the Portuguese Star Recovers from Calf Injury

Messi's exceptional performance in the 2022 tournament propelled La Albiceleste to their third World Cup victory. Leading from the forefront, he scored a brace in the final against France, securing glory for his national team.

Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, setting a remarkable record spanning from 2009 to 2023.

Once more, this trend continued on Saturday as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was left out of the lineup for a crucial game against New York City FC.

The team announced that Messi would not play about 45 minutes before Saturday's game time

Messi underwent separate training from his teammates on Sunday. This comes after he was substituted late in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the inaugural South American zone qualifier on Thursday.

Scheduled for September 27th, Miami is set to face Houston Dynamo in the final, aiming to secure its second trophy of the year.

Messi had a shot from a similar position in the 71st minute, but hit the post as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Since joining the Florida team on a free transfer last month, Messi has netted nine goals in six appearances in the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament involving teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.