Six days after Lionel Messi’s ankle swelled to nearly twice its normal size during the Copa America final, the Argentine icon made a surprise appearance at an Inter Miami match to receive a plaque celebrating his 45th major title win for both club and country.
Among Messi’s 45 accolades is the notable achievement of securing Inter Miami’s first trophy last year by winning the Leagues Cup.
The crowd at the game greeted Messi with a massive ovation, hoping to see him in Inter Miami’s iconic pink jersey rather than the protective boot he was wearing.
Although Messi did not have the anticipated explosive performance in the Copa America, he still guided Argentina to victory, leading the team to a win over Colombia in extra time in Sunday’s final.
Making history and inspiring the next generation 🐐 pic.twitter.com/7xPTNGcHS6
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 21, 2024
Messi-less Inter Miami beat Chicago 2-1 to stretch MLS lead
Jordi Alba’s 75th-minute goal secured Inter Miami a 2-1 home win over Chicago Fire on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the MLS standings despite Lionel Messi’s injury-enforced absence.
Inter Miami’s 16th win in 25 games brought their total to 53 points, putting them five points ahead of second-placed FC Cincinnati, who were defeated 3-1 by New York Red Bulls.
Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute. Chicago Fire’s Saudi-born German defender Rafael Czichos equalized in the 73rd minute, but Alba scored the decisive goal just two minutes later.
In New York, FC Cincinnati were overwhelmed by two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan, with a third goal added by defender Kyle Duncan. The Red Bulls led 3-0 by the 59th minute, and Cincinnati’s Corey Baird scored a consolation goal in the 67th minute.
Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Nashville, with goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes. Gazdag’s performance keeps Philadelphia just one point behind Atlanta for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen scored twice in the 60th and 77th minutes to help Atlanta United come from behind to beat Columbus 2-1 at home.
Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea’s goal in the 38th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Toronto over Montreal.