Overview

• Coming on at halftime against LA Galaxy, Messi netted in the 84th minute and set up Luis Suárez with a no‑look backheel in a 3-1 win.
• With the goal, he reached 40 MLS goals in 44 matches to become the second‑fastest to the milestone in league history.
• Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named Messi to a preliminary list for September qualifiers against Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Sept. 4 and Ecuador in Guayaquil on Sept. 9, with his involvement contingent on fitness.
• Inter Miami hosts Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, and reporting indicates he is expected to return to the starting lineup.
• Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs through December 2025, with media noting outside interest and discussions with the club reported as ongoing.