Inter Miami beat LA Galaxy 3–1 at Chase Stadium as Lionel Messi returns with a goal and a brilliant back-heel assist. Full match recap, lineups, tactics, and what it means for MLS.
La Galaxy vs Inter Miami scoreline
Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy — Lionel Messi returned from a short injury layoff to turn the game around for Inter Miami, scoring a stunning solo goal and teeing up Luis Suárez with a back-heel for the insurance goal late on. Jordi Alba opened the scoring for Miami in the first half; Joseph Paintsil pulled Galaxy level in the second, but Messi’s second-half impact swung the result.
Why this game mattered
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami is one of MLS’s marquee rivalries in 2025 — not just for the clubs, but because Inter Miami’s superstar signings (Messi, Suárez, Jordi Alba) have elevated the fixture’s global profile. Tonight’s match mattered for league positioning (Miami chasing the Supporters’ Shield), form recovery after recent setbacks, and — crucially for fans — the fitness update on Messi after a thigh complaint. A comeback win with Messi on the scoresheet answers several immediate questions about his readiness.
Match timeline — what happened, minute by minute (key moments)
- 43′ — Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): Miami’s first-half pressure paid off when Sergi Busquets created the opening and Alba finished to give the hosts the lead before the break.
- 59′ — Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy): Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil produced a brilliant equalizer to level the match early in the second half and give his side hope.
- 84′ — Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): On his return at halftime, Messi produced a solo goal — a trademark dribble and finish that restored Miami’s lead and shifted momentum decisively.
- 89′ — Luis Suárez (Inter Miami): Messi’s back-heel assist created space for Suárez to finish late and seal the 3–1 win.
You can watch the official highlights and Messi’s finish/assist on MLS’s highlights page and the extended clips posted to YouTube.
Lineups & selection notes
- Inter Miami (starting XI highlights): Ustari; Weigandt; Luján; Falcón; Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets (captain); Brian Cremaschi; Tomás Segovia; Federico Picault; Luis Suárez; (Messi started on bench and was subbed on at halftime). Full official lineup is available via Inter Miami and Sky Sports match pages.
- LA Galaxy (starting XI highlights): Galaxy fielded Joseph Paintsil and other first-team regulars; Galaxy’s match report confirms Paintsil’s strike and the team’s shape struggled to contain Miami’s rotation. Check LA Galaxy’s official match report for the full roster and substitutes.
Sky Sports and the MLS match centre have the detailed starting XIs and minute-by-minute substitutions for readers who want complete line-ups and tactical switches.
Tactical analysis — how Miami turned it around
Messi as the spark (impact substitute)
Miami’s coach managed Messi’s minutes carefully after a thigh problem; bringing him on at halftime paid off. Messi’s movement between the lines and his ability to destabilize a compact Galaxy backline were decisive — his solo goal came from individual brilliance that changed the game’s balance.
Wide overloads and Busquets’ intelligence
Sergio Busquets orchestrated midfield tempo and provided the assist for Jordi Alba’s opener. Miami used width from Alba and full-back rotations to stretch Galaxy, creating the channels Messi later exploited.
Galaxy’s problems: shot volume vs. quality
Despite LA outshooting Miami in some phases (reporting indicates Miami dominated some metrics), Galaxy’s finishing moments and defensive lapses cost them. Paintsil’s equalizer showed the visitors’ capacity for brilliance, but they failed to sustain defensive discipline when Messi entered the match.
Game management to close out
After Messi restored the lead, Miami smartly used possession and quick transitional strikes (Suárez’s late finish came from Messi’s back-heel) to run down the clock and deny Galaxy momentum. The tactical substitution pattern (protect Messi’s fitness while maximizing impact) was textbook.
Key performers
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Return from a thigh complaint capped by a trademark solo strike and a sublime assist — he finished with the decisive influence and reminded the MLS why he’s the league’s defining star this season. Messi now leads the MLS scoring charts and has continued to be the barometer for Miami’s form.
- Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): Opened the scoring with a composed finish and provided the width Miami needed in the first half to unsettle Galaxy’s defense.
- Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy): Pulled Galaxy level with a high-quality finish and was their main attacking threat on the night.
- Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami): Key midfield presence, assisting the opener and dictating tempo when Miami needed calm build-up.
Así sí! A seguir trabajando 👊🏼🩷 pic.twitter.com/snxZLNHRDI
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) August 17, 2025
What the result means for both clubs
Inter Miami
- The three points keep Miami firmly in the Supporters’ Shield conversation, responding well after a heavy defeat to Orlando City earlier in the week. Messi’s return and match-winning influence is a huge lift both on the table and for morale. Expect Miami to manage Messi’s workload carefully ahead of the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.
LA Galaxy
- The Galaxy’s season remains difficult; they fell to a poor overall league record this year despite moments of attacking quality. The result highlights defensive frailties and the need for tactical recalibration if they want to climb the standings. The Galaxy will soon turn focus toward Leagues Cup and domestic fixtures where they must regain form.
Context & Knicks: Messi fitness and squad management
Messi’s short-term fitness had been a concern; Mascherano and Miami’s medical staff planned a 45-minute cameo to ease him back into match rhythm without risking a recurrence. After tonight’s performance, optimism about Messi’s readiness for the Leagues Cup quarterfinal vs Tigres remains cautiously upbeat — though the club will continue monitoring his thigh.
Where to watch replays and highlights
- MLS Season Pass (Apple TV): Full match replays and condensed match packages are available to subscribers.
- MLS.com highlights: Official highlights package and key moments clip.
- YouTube extended highlights: Fan and official channels posted Messi’s goal/assist footage; check MLS and club channels for licensed uploads.