Philly Leader

Mikael Uhre scored early, but Philadelphia Union fell to Supporters' Shield leaders Inter Miami CF, 3-1 on Saturday night. The Union's Danish striker needed just 62 seconds to open the scoring. However, superstar Lionel Messi impressed in his first appearance in three months as he bagged two goals within five minutes to put the hosts ahead in the first half. Philly controlled the second half and held the hosts without a shot for over half an hour, but they got an insurance goal in stoppage time from Luis Suarez to secure three points in front of their home fans.

Philadelphia Union continues its two-game road trip with a midweek contest at rivals New York City FC on Wednesday night. Kickoff from Yankee Stadium is set for 7:30 PM ET.

One Major League Soccer star returned to play while one was sidelined on Saturday night in Florida as the Philadelphia Union took on Inter Miami. Philadelphia Union’s three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake did not travel to Miami due to injury, while Lionel Messi, Miami’s marquee midfielder, was available to play for the first time since suffering an ankle injury while playing with Argentina in the Copa America final.

In Blake’s absence, 18-year-old Homegrown Andrew Rick took over in net, making his fifth start as a first-teamer. The focus was on the opposite side of the field in the opening minutes as Philadelphia Union's attack started hot in South Florida.

Mikael Uhre claimed an early lead for Philadelphia within one minute into play by finding the ball off a header clearance attempt from David Martínez and placing a powerful shot past Drake Callendar. By the 20-minute mark, Philadelphia Union recorded four on-target attempts following Uhre's goal.

Lionel Messi equalized at 26 minutes with an assist from Luis Suárez and then scored again less than five minutes later with Jordi Alba assisting him this time. A potential third goal by Suarez was ruled offside after VAR review just before halftime.

A yellow card issued to Jack Elliott shortly after halftime means he will miss Philly's contest at NYCFC due to yellow card accumulation. Head Coach Jim Curtin made offensive changes bringing on Samuel Adeniran and Alejandro Bedoya around 63 minutes into play. Despite several attempts including efforts by Adeniran and Dániel Gazdag, Philadelphia could not find another goal.

Miami secured their win with a late goal by Suarez assisted by Messi during stoppage time after being held without a shot for over half an hour.