Lionel Messi made an influential return to the Inter Miami line-up, setting up both goals in a 2-1 win over Atlas last night, and afterwards reiterated his need to play to maintain rhythm.
Messi was forced to sit out Saturday’s draw with FC Cincinnati after Major League Soccer handed him a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game on July 23.
Miami boss Javier Mascherano said before the Atlas clash the silver lining of Messi’s ban was the fact the 38-year-old could rest ahead of a busy period but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted he was happier playing.
That was evident as, after a low-key first half for the Argentina superstar, he grew into the game and provided assists for Telasco Segovia and, in injury time, Marcelo Weigandt.
Rest is worse for me – Messi
“The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete,” Messi said after the match. “I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into rhythm.
“The other day they didn’t let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won.”
Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy in 2023 under former coach Gerardo Martino, before falling in the round of 16 to the Columbus Crew last year.
“It’s a great competition for us; one we always compete in,” added Messi. “It’s a great test for us to face Mexican teams, and the format has changed, so we can enjoy it and play it. It’s a great competition. [The victory] is super important.
“The American teams hadn’t won, and it’s important for us to take advantage because we compete against each other. While we’re playing against Mexican teams, the table is on our side, and we have to score more than the others.”
De Paul makes debut
The win provided another demonstration of Messi’s importance to Miami. He has now scored or assisted 21 of Inter Miami’s last 27 goals in all competitions since May 28.
Some of the load could be shifted by the arrival of fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, who made his debut following his move from Atletico Madrid.
Mascherano said: “Rodrigo gives us the hierarchy with a player in his prime, a world champion, one of the most important players on the national team that is world champions and who has a significant connection with our best player on and off the pitch.
“All of us who have had the opportunity to play with Leo, to know Leo, to the players who have that connection with him, we have to take advantage of it. We have to take advantage of it a lot because they are few and far between, and those players are chosen.”
Messi is expected to play when Necaxa visit Chase Stadium on Saturday.
https://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/shutterstock_2607195241-2-2.jpg-1.webp
2025-07-31 11:23:23
