This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Opportunity’—LA Galaxy Making Most of Leagues Cup Despite Dismal Season. If there was a team that needed the 2025 Leagues Cup the most, it was the LA Galaxy.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Despite a disastrous MLS regular season, the LA Galaxy has an opportunity to redeem part of the year by winning Leagues Cup.

Even without hitting his top form, Lionel Messi made a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal against LA Galaxy. Inter Miami’s star performance not only highlights his skill but also nudges him closer to securing another prestigious MLS award.

Inter Miami will host the LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT. Inter Miami is 6th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12–5–6 (points 42) and Galaxy is at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 3–15–7 heading into the weekend.

Lionel Messi delivered another breathtaking performance against LA Galaxy, showcasing his brilliance for Inter Miami and etching his name deeper into football history with a milestone that no other player has touched.

The Inter Miami star Lionel Messi set a record in the match against the Los Angeles Galaxy that not even Cristiano Ronaldo had achieved.