Lionel Messi made his comeback to club football on Saturday, helping Inter Miami even the score in a rain-soaked MLS match in Florida against Atlanta United.
It was Messi’s first game since he announced his departure from the Argentina national team earlier this week.
Heavy rain and lightning delayed the start of the match for over 90 minutes, but Messi came on and started the game.
The Argentine was instrumental in Inter Miami’s first goal in the 32nd minute. He curled into the box where midfielder Casemiro got to his head to beat Atlanta keeper Lucas Hoyos.
Atlanta’s counter-attack was quick: three minutes later. Casemiro attempted to intercept a cross, but the ball bounced off Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair onto Miguel Almiron, who then took home the finish.
Miami got back in the game right before the break when Luis Suarez fired home.
Atlanta kept on pressing for an equaliser, and they did eventually find it towards the end of the game. Breel Embolo had a point for the visitors on a penalty in the 87th minute.
The outcome continued Messi’s hot streak of form. He had four goals and an additional assist in Miami’s 7-1 win over CF Montreal last weekend.
This season, Messi has 18 goals in MLS, and is tied for the league lead.
The 39-year-old recently retired from international football after guiding Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory and to the 2026 World Cup final.
The decision was made following his father Jorge’s death in August. Messi has previously stated that he wasn’t sure how long he would continue playing.
For the time being, the forward will continue to play for Inter Miami as his MLS career goes on after his international retirement.
Source: Reuters
