Lionel Messi came off the bench to give Inter Miami victory against Philadelphia Union. In a thrilling Major League Soccer clash, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami took the lead early in the game when Robert Taylor found the back of the net in the 23rd minute. The early strike set the tone for Inter Miami’s attacking intent, though Philadelphia Union responded with pressure of their own. The game’s defining moment came in the second half when Lionel Messi, introduced as a substitute. He then scored Inter Miami’s second goal in the 57th minute—just two minutes after entering the pitch. Messi slotted the ball into the net with his right foot, giving Inter Miami a 2-0 lead and sending the Chase Stadium crowd into a frenzy. Philadelphia Union fought back late in the game, pulling one back in the 80th minute through Daniel Gazdag. The goal set up a tense finish, with Javier Mascherano’s men under pressure in the closing stages. Messi is expected to return to the starting line up for Inter Miami's next game against LAFC.