Inter Miami have been boosted by the news that Lionel Messi "felt very good" on his return to action, with the Argentine star netting versus Cavalier.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Sat out three successive matchesOn the bench against CavalierNetted to seal quarter-final berthFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

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.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

GettyWHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

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."