“Glad we’re starting our best”, “My GOAT” - Fans thrilled as Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami line-up for MLS clash with New York City FC

Fans have reacted as Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi returned to the starting line-up for their MLS clash at New York City on Saturday (September 21). The 37-year-old returned from injury last week after two months out of action.

Messi had injured his ankle in the 1-0 extra-time win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final as Argentina retained their title and became the first 16-time Copa winners.

He returned to action for the Herons in the 3-1 MLS home win over Philadelphia Union last week. After coming off the bench in the midweek 2-2 draw at Atlanta, La Pulga starts again, much to the delight of fans.

One tweeted:

"I'm glad we are starting our best!"

Another chimed in:

"Messi ball on a Saturday night!"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with one tweeting:

"We want a Messi hat-trick"

Another posted:

"MY GOAT"

Another fan wrote:

"I'm hereeee and ready to finally witness the GOAT Messi play in person."

Tata Martino's side are eight points clear at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference after 29 games as they seek their first league title.

---

How did Lionel Messi fare on his return from injury for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi marked his much-awaited return to action for Inter Miami after a two-month injury layoff with a five-star performance. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in all three goals as the Herons trounced Philadelphia 3-1 at home.

After Mikael Uhre had opened the scoring for the visitors inside two minutes, Tata Martino's side were back on level terms 24 minutes later through Messi, played on by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

Four minutes later, Messi put his team into the lead, this time assisted by another former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba. With Philadelphia failing to find an equaliser, Suarez put the result beyond doubt in the eighth minute of stoppage time, with Messi setting up the Uruguayan's 17th strike of the season.

Messi is now up to 16 goals and 12 assists in 17 games across competitions in his first season in American football with the Herons, having joined them on a free transfer last summer after nearly two decades in European football.

La Pulga's four other goal contributions - two goals and two assists - have come in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where Martino's side were ousted 5-2 on aggregaate by Monterrey in the quater-final.