JuicyTalk
Lionel Messi marked his first appearance since retiring from international football with two assists as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United in MLS.
The 39-year-old announced last week that he had brought his Argentina career to an end, but returned to club action on Saturday night and immediately made his influence felt.
Messi provided the deliveries for goals from Casemiro and Luis Suarez, although Inter Miami were denied all three points after Breel Embolo converted a late penalty for Atlanta.
Messi creates two goals on Inter Miami return
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when he headed home a corner from Messi.
Atlanta responded just two minutes later through Miguel Almiron, setting up an entertaining contest at Miami’s Nu Stadium.
Messi then produced another moment of quality shortly before half-time, lofting a pass towards Telasco Segovia.
Segovia turned the ball into the path of Suarez, who made no mistake from the centre of the box to score his 12th MLS goal of the season.
The result looked set to give Inter Miami another important three points, but Atlanta were awarded a penalty with three minutes of normal time remaining.
Embolo stepped up and converted from the spot in the 87th minute before Atlanta survived a late barrage of chances from the hosts to claim a point.
The draw leaves Inter Miami with ground to make up on Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, although they still have 11 regular-season matches remaining.
Emotional Messi return after Argentina retirement
Messi’s return to club football came just days after he confirmed that his time with Argentina was over.
The Inter Miami forward ended his international career as Argentina’s record appearance maker and goalscorer after helping the country win the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America.
There was a special atmosphere around Saturday’s match, with heavy rain causing a delay of more than an hour before the players were able to begin their warm-ups.
Supporters cheered both sets of players when they emerged, but the loudest reception was reserved for Messi as he walked out of the tunnel.
Rodrigo De Paul, who played alongside Messi for Argentina, spoke about the significance of seeing his former international teammate back on the pitch.
“Very emotional,” De Paul said in Spanish during a pre-match interview with Apple TV.
“We lived with so much excitement having him out there on the field. It brought us so much joy to see the Argentina jersey all over the world, and it always had a No. 10 on the back.”
