Messi back in starting lineup for Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami forwards Lionel Messi, left, and Luis Suarez arrive for an MLS soccer match against the Philadelphia Union, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Marta Lavandier]
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine star winger and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not played with Inter Miami since June 1 because of national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in a victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14. Without Messi, Inter Miami went 8-2 and clinched an MLS playoff spot. Miami (18-5-4) also took the lead in the Supporters Shield table with 59 points. The 37-year-old Messi has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 league matches this season.
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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi arrives for an MLS soccer match against the Philadelphia Union, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Marta Lavandier