Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after scoring a goal against Los Angeles Galaxy in the second half of their MLS match at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner [email protected]

Lionel Messi is back. In his first game after returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out since Aug. 2, Messi scored his 19th goal of the season before sending a backheel assist to Luis Suárez, who scored, bringing Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday night.

The fact that Inter Miami has lifted both the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup since Messi’s arrival tells you almost everything you need to know about his impact. Before the Argentine joined, the club—founded in 2018—had never won a single piece of silverware.