It was an uninspiring performance by all accounts, but Messi magic bailed them out late and they took all three points

Lionel Messi returned from injury as a reserve and scored in the 84th minute to spark Inter Miami over the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday.Jordi Alba scored for Miami in the 43rd minute but Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.

Son Heung-min’s arrival at LAFC proved to be a triumph. While he did not find the net, he delivered a crucial assist in the team’s draw. His debut performance drew comparisons to Lionel Messi’s first match with Inter Miami.

Aging European stars moving to MLS is nothing new. But giving Messi credit suggests a problem the league could face in a few years.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami may be pushing for success in MLS, but not everyone in the squad is content with their role.