Lionel Messi made an unexpected appearance at an Inter Miami game six days after his ankle swollen to almost twice its normal size during the Copa America final in order to accept a plaque honoring his 45th major title win for both club and country.
Messi has 45 victories to his name, including the historic League Cup victory last year that gave Inter Miami its first trophy.
With their hopes of seeing Messi on the field in Inter Miami’s iconic pink jersey rather than the protective boot, the audience during the game gave him a standing ovation.
Argentina’s success was spearheaded by Messi even though the Copa America event was not as exciting as many had expected. The team defeated Colombia in extra time in the Sunday final.
Messi-less Despite Lionel Messi’s injury-plagued absence, Inter Miami defeated Chicago Fire 2-1 at home on Saturday to increase their lead atop the MLS standings. Jardi Alba’s strike in the 75th minute did the scoring for Inter Miami.
With their 16th victory in 25 games, Inter moved up to 53 points, five ahead of FC Cincinnati, who dropped their match against the New York Red Bulls 3-1.
Miami’s first goal came from Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas in the sixth minute.
Before former Spain star Alba scored the game-winning goal two minutes later, the Fire’s Rafael Czichos, a German defender born in Saudi Arabia, tied the score in the 73rd minute.
The Red Bulls lead 3-0 after 59 minutes in New York, shocking Cincinnati with two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan on either side of defender Kyle Duncan’s goal.
In the 67th minute, Corey Baird scored the consolation goal for Cincinnati.
Daniel Gazdag of Philadelphia scored three goals to give the Union a 3-0 victory over visiting Nashville.
In the tenth, forty-ninth, and eightieth minutes, Gazdag’s goals kept Philadelphia one point behind Atlanta for the last East playoff place.
In the 60th and 77th minutes, Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen gave Atlanta United a 2-1 victory at home after the team had fallen behind.
Toronto defeated Montreal 1-0 in the 38th minute thanks to a goal by Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea.
