Argentine legend Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a valuable 3-1 victory over the American team Los Angeles Galaxy in a Major League Soccer match early Sunday. This win raised Inter Miami’s points to 45, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with three postponed matches, while Los Angeles Galaxy remained at 40 points. Messi came on as a substitute in the second half, marking his first appearance after recovering from injury. He turned the game around by scoring a goal and assisting another. Inter Miami opened the scoring through Jordi Alba in the 43rd minute, before Joseph Pansil equalized for Los Angeles Galaxy in the 59th minute. Messi scored the second goal for Inter Miami in the 84th minute with a stunning shot from outside the box, then assisted Luis Suarez’s goal in the 89th minute.

Messi reached 101 goals from outside the penalty area excluding free kicks, becoming the first player in history to achieve this feat, leading by 30 goals over his closest competitor. He is also the second fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals in just 44 matches, behind Venezuelan Joseph Martinez who scored the same number in 42 matches. Messi’s total goal contributions throughout his football career reached 1264, with 875 goals scored: 672 for Barcelona, 112 for Argentina, 59 for Inter Miami, and 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, along with 389 assists. He has contributed to 20 goals (scored and assisted) in the last 9 MLS matches and leads the competition’s top scorers with 19 goals. Messi was injured 11 minutes into Inter Miami’s match against Mexican side Necaxa on August 3rd in the second round of the Leagues Cup but recovered to return against Los Angeles Galaxy.

Throughout his professional career since the 2005-2006 season, Messi has suffered about 50 different injuries during his time with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team.