Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action in Major League Soccer, inspiring Inter Miami to a 3-1 comeback win over LA Galaxy in one of the standout fixtures of the MLS weekend.

The Argentine icon lit up the second half with a sensational long-range strike in the 84th minute, tilting the balance in Miami’s favour after the game had remained tightly contested for much of the evening. His long-time friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez sealed the result in stoppage time, calmly finishing to make it 3-1 and put the game to bed.

Earlier, it was left-back Jordi Alba who opened the scoring for the home side in the 43rd minute with a powerful finish. However, Joseph Paintsil levelled for LA Galaxy in the 59th, briefly silencing the home crowd in Fort Lauderdale.

MLS

Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy
Goals: Alba 43' (1-0), Paintsil 59' (1-1), Messi 84' (2-1), Suárez 90' (3-1)