"It’s going to get easier" - Pundit claims Inter Miami don't have to play well for 90 minutes to win games following Lionel Messi's return

Pundit Matt Doyle has claimed that Inter Miami will find it easier to win matches following Lionel Messi's return from injury. The 37-year-old missed nine MLS games due to his commitment with La Albiceleste and an injury he sustained in the Copa America final.

Messi led the Herons to a 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union on his return to league action. The legendary forward bagged a brace and an assist at the Chase Stadium to take his tally for the campaign to 14 goals and 10 assists in 13 games for the Miami-based outfit.

Speaking on Extratime, Doyle was enthused about Messi's performance on his return. He said (via Inter Miami News):

"The second one was just a classic Messi goal where he releases the pass and then somehow nobody tracks him. And he gets in that spot between the penalty spot and the 18-yard line and first-time finishes with that left foot. He’s scored that goal 500 times in his career."

The pundit concluded by stating that the Herons will find it easier to score goals and win matches now that the World Cup winner is back. He added:

“It’s like Miami don’t need to play well for 90 minutes [to win games], they don’t even need to play well for 30 minutes, and honestly, in this game, they didn’t, they just need to play well for 10, 15 minutes and they put two [goals] on the board, and it’s going to get easier now that this guy is back in the lineup.”

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next face Atlanta United on Wednesday, September 18, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where they will be hoping to secure their fourth win on the bounce. David Beckham's franchise currently sits 10 points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati after 28 games played.

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Lionel Messi issues Inter Miami rallying call after triumphant return

Messi issued a rallying call to his Inter Miami teammates after his triumphant return for the side in their last win in the MLS. The legendary forward made his return to the team for the first time since June and played a part in all three goals as his team won 3-1.

Tata Martino's side managed to maintain their fine form in Lionel Messi's absence, losing only one MLS game in that duration.

Speaking to Apple TV after the match, Messi reiterated his team's desire to win the title, saying (via Fotmob):

"As we said at the beginning, we know the squad we have, and the title is our goal. We're realistic and take responsibility for it. Unfortunately, we've had a lot of bad luck with injuries this year and were never at full strength for one reason or another. We were always missing players, but the team always managed to push through."

Lionel Messi added:

"It was a lot of time off the field. Little by little, I found myself with the group. I felt good, and that's why we decided that I would start. I am very happy."

Lionel Messi scored in the 26th and 30th minute for Inter Miami to overturn Mikael Uhre's first-minute goal before setting up Luis Suarez in the 98th minute to wrap up the win.