At home, Inter Miami had an unfavorable start when they let Philadelphia Union score two consecutive goals after only 9 minutes of play. However, coach Guillermo Hoyos' team quickly regained control of the game and created an exciting score chase.
The first half witnessed up to 8 goals scored. Messi left his mark with two assists for German Berterame to score, while Luis Suarez scored a double to help Inter Miami equalize the score 4-4 before halftime.
After the break, the pace of the match slowed down, but the two teams still created many dangerous opportunities. In the 73rd minute, Messi suddenly left the field. According to ESPN, the captain of the Argentine team felt pain and proactively asked the coaching staff to substitute.
Messi's inability to play the rest of the match makes Argentine fans worried, especially as the 2026 World Cup is approaching. Currently, Inter Miami has not announced details of the injury severity of the 38-year-old striker.
Despite the absence of their number one star on the field, Inter Miami still maintained pressure on the opponent's goal. In the 80th minute, German Berterame assisted Suarez to complete a hat-trick, helping the home team take the lead for the first time in the match.
In the second minute of injury time, Rodrigo De Paul scored another goal after a quick counter-attack, sealing a 6-4 victory for Inter Miami.
In addition to Suarez's hat-trick, German Berterame also had a remarkable performance with a double and an assist. Meanwhile, Messi contributed with two assists before having to leave the field.
The dramatic victory against Philadelphia Union helps Inter Miami continue to maintain their position in the MLS race, but the focus of attention is still Messi's health condition in the preparation phase for the biggest football festival on the planet.
