Even without hitting his top form, Lionel Messi made a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal against LA Galaxy. Inter Miami’s star performance not only highlights his skill but also nudges him closer to securing another prestigious MLS award.

The Argentine superstar had missed numerous scoring chances in his return from injury Saturday night against the LA Galaxy, but in the match’s waning minutes, Messi scored the go-ahead goal, then assisted on another to help lift Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami hosted the reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy in a match that saw Lionel Messi return from injury. After missing two weeks due to a muscle injury in his right leg, Messi didn’t start the match but later came on as a second-half substitute. Rodrigo De Paul also entered the game in the second half.