Lionel Messi marked his first club appearance after announcing his retirement from international football by playing a decisive role in both of Inter Miami’s goals. Yet his contribution was not enough to secure victory, as the reigning Major League Soccer champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United on Saturday.
The match was delayed by around 90 minutes because of lightning and stormy weather. Once play eventually got under way, however, the long wait did little to diminish the intensity of the contest. Messi quickly became the central figure, with the Argentine captain involved in several of Miami’s most dangerous attacking moves.
Inter Miami broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Brazilian midfielder Casemiro rose to meet the ball and headed it into the net. The goal gave Miami the advantage and provided Messi with a direct assist.
Atlanta responded almost immediately. Just three minutes after falling behind, former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almirón restored parity with a powerful low finish. The equaliser ensured that Miami could not settle into a comfortable rhythm despite taking the lead.
The visitors, though, regained their advantage shortly before half-time. Messi initiated an attack from the left flank and helped create the opening from which Luis Suárez produced a composed finish. The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward put Miami 2-1 ahead heading into the interval.
Atlanta returned for the second half determined to level the contest again. Their efforts eventually earned them a penalty in the 73rd minute, but Miami’s goalkeeper kept his side in front by saving the spot-kick.
That reprieve proved temporary. Atlanta were awarded another penalty in the 87th minute, and this time they made no mistake. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo converted from the spot to make it 2-2 and give the hosts a late chance of completing a comeback.
Neither side could find a winner during the remaining minutes. Miami therefore had to settle for a single point despite leading twice and having Messi involved in the build-up to both goals.
The result also highlighted the fine margins that can decide MLS matches. Miami produced enough attacking quality to score twice, with Messi, Casemiro and Suárez combining effectively in the final third. But conceding two penalties ultimately prevented the champions from taking all three points.
For Atlanta, the late equaliser represented a hard-earned point after twice falling behind. For Miami, it was a frustrating outcome: Messi delivered a significant individual contribution on his return to club action, but his side could not protect its lead until the final whistle.
