Inter Miami boost as Lionel Messi 'felt very good' on goalscoring return - with Argentine superstar ready to be unleashed on MLS again after wowing Jamaican fans in CONCACAF Champions Cup

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had sat out three successive matches for the Herons, with his workload being carefully managed amid muscle fatigue concerns. He was named among the substitutes again for a CONCACAF Champions Cup trip to Jamaica.

With Luis Suarez firing Inter Miami in front from the penalty spot, Javier Mascherano was able to introduce Messi in the 56th minute – much to the delight of the home support, who had come to see him as much as their own side.

Messi did not disappoint, as he found the target two minutes into stoppage-time and put the seal on a 4-0 aggregate success that has booked a quarter-final berth for Inter Miami. They will face domestic rivals LAFC at the next stage.

Messi should be back up to full speed by then, as he is ready to be unleashed on MLS opponents again, with Mascherano saying of easing his talismanic captain back into the fold: "We knew Leo wasn’t playing for the last three or four games, obviously, we wanted him to play, but had to find the right moment to send him to the pitch. He felt very good, he scored, Jamaican people could see him, so it was a great night for everyone."

Inter Miami now face another quick turnaround, which may result in more bench duty for Messi, with a trip to Atlanta United coming on Sunday. A collection of international superstars, including Messi, will then head off with their respective countries for 2026 World Cup qualifying duty.