Messi's Miami Comeback: Defying Age, Dominating the Pitch

Lionel Messi BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Only days ago Lionel Messi returned to the field for Inter Miami against LA Galaxy after nursing a minor muscle injury and within just 45 minutes he lit up the match, scoring one goal and notching an assist. His performance earned him the Goal of the Matchday award for the sixth time this season, capturing a staggering 80 percent of the fan vote and reminding everyone why even at 38 he remains the most influential player in U.S. soccer, according to MLS Soccer. However, his comeback was brief—he missed the next crucial Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres and was also absent from last weekend’s MLS clash with D.C. United. Inter Miami’s assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that both Messi and Jordi Alba had completed full training sessions, a clear sign the club is hopeful Messi can play in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City. Morales noted they would reassess Messi’s fitness hours before kickoff, but described his inclusion in the squad as likely barring a setback. The storyline has dominated sports headlines, with CBS Sports and World Soccer Talk both highlighting Messi’s as the “biggest storyline” entering the decisive semifinal, especially after Inter Miami lost their previous fixture against Orlando during one of his earlier absences.

Beyond the pitch his Instagram clout remains unmatched. The record-shattering photo of himself hoisting the World Cup trophy in 2022 is still the most-liked post on the platform as of August 2025 with around 74.5 million likes, becoming its own pop culture reference point. As CNET and BolaVIP report, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement is the only real competition, but Messi’s digital legacy appears untouchable for now. Meanwhile, Inter Miami supporters and soccer pages continue buzzing about Messi’s transformative impact, with fan accounts like FC Barcelona Fans Nation pointing out how Messi elevated Inter Miami from the league’s basement to championship contenders.

His stats defy both age and logic: MyKhel details how Messi has 25 goals and 13 assists in 32 matches for Miami this season, cementing his status as the best player in the league and the engine behind the club’s trophy charge. Speculation about a potential MVP award looms as outlets like CBS Sports discuss Miami’s dependence on his magic, highlighting how the club has only won once in five games without him in 2025. Suffice it to say, all eyes remain on Messi—his health, his heroics, and his hold over both the soccer field and the internet.

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