The Union were less than a minute away from their first win over Lionel Messi, but he ended up having the last word. With a goal in the 87th minute and the assist on Telasco Segovia’s blast in the 95th,

May 24, 2025; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya (29) and Inter Miami forward Tadeo Allende (21) battle for the ball during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images Caean Couto Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi gave Inter Miami a pep talk this week, exhorting his MLS team to be “more united than ever” to get through a recent rough stretch. Motivational speeches sometimes work. Messi being Messi almost never fails.