Lionel Messi returned from injury, and Inter Miami secured a win in his comeback match. However, it was not the Argentine forward but substitute Leonardo Campana who emerged as the hero of the victory.
In today’s Major League Soccer match, Messi’s team defeated D.C. United 1-0.
Due to injury, Messi did not play in the goalless draw against Orlando last Wednesday. However, he was in the starting lineup against D.C. United. Despite the return of their star player, Inter Miami struggled with weaknesses in their attacking line.
Messi’s close friend and Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez also failed to create opportunities. Instead, it was Campana, who lost his place in the starting eleven because of Suárez, who came off the bench to secure the win with a goal.
The Ecuadorian striker Campana entered the field in the third minute of stoppage time and scored with his first touch. Campana started running through D.C. United’s backline when former Barça defender Sergio Busquets lofted a pass to him. Campana controlled it and scored with a superb shot.
Although Inter Miami won, D.C. United dominated the match. They managed to contain Messi effectively, limiting him to just two free-kicks with no significant impact on the attack. One of Messi’s shots in the second half narrowly missed the bar, and that was his closest attempt. However, Campana’s last-minute goal secured the win for his team.
This victory marks Inter Miami’s ninth win of the current season, placing them at the top of the Eastern Conference. Last season, they had won nine matches in total. This season, they have reached that number in just 15 matches. Additionally, Tata Martino’s team remains unbeaten in their last nine matches. With 31 points from 15 matches, they lead the conference, while second-placed Cincinnati has 30 points from 14 matches.
