Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami last night with the Argentine attacker named in the starting XI to face the Philadelphia Union.
The forward last played for the Herons at the start of June with Messi picking up an ankle injury in the Copa America final, with the attacker’s rehabilitation taking longer than most fans and pundits expected.
However, Messi finally returned for Inter Miami in MLS action this weekend as the 37-year-old marked the occasion with a brace and an assist for Tata Martino’s side in what was to be a 3-1 win for the Florida franchise.
And Messi has now shared how he’s feeling after the match,
Messi ‘tired’ but feeling good after Inter Miami return
Speaking to Apple TV after the game, Messi shared that he was feeling tired after playing the full 90 for Inter Miami, though the Argentine was in good spirits having finally made his return for the Herons after three months out.
Messi said: “To be honest, I am a little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help, but I was very eager to come back, it had been a long time away from the field. Little by little I started training with the group, I felt good, and that is why we made the decision for me to start. I am very happy, very pleased.”
With Inter Miami through to the MLS play-offs and leading the Supporters’ Shield by seven points with a game in hand, things could not be looking brighter for Martino’s side with Messi now back and doing what he does best.
And although Messi is feeling tired after his first game back from injury, Inter Miami now know they have all the power in keeping the forward’s minutes as restricted as possible heading into the post-season.
Herons need to keep Messi as fresh as possible for final regular season games
Messi playing the full 90 for Inter Miami after two months out through injury was quite the play from Martino, yet it is a decision that ultimately worked out well for the Herons against Philadelphia.
However, heading into the final regular-season games of the MLS campaign, Inter Miami need to ensure they’re keeping Messi as fresh as possible with the play-offs on the horizon.
Indeed, Messi will be key for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup, and the attacker’s performance against the Union more than showered that the Herons have everything needed to make history this year.