Overview
- Messi came off the bench to score in the 84th minute and assist in the 89th, sealing a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy.
- He returned after missing two matches due to a right-leg muscle tweak first suffered in the Leagues Cup on Aug. 2.
- The goal lifted his MLS scoring total to 19, moving him clear atop the league’s Golden Boot race.
- Head coach Javier Mascherano labeled the injury as minor and emphasized easing Messi into the lineup to protect his fitness.
- Miami will face Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Aug. 20 with Messi’s minutes to be tightly managed.