Leo Messi stars on return but late Atlanta penalty denies Miami victory
Lionel Messi marked his return to Inter Miami after his international retirement news with two assists, but Atlanta United struck late to claim a 2-2 draw.
Lionel Messi wasted little time reminding MLS of his influence after returning to club football, producing two assists as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United on Saturday night.
The Argentine playmaker was making his first appearance since ending his international career following Argentina’s runners-up finish at the 2026 World Cup, but the occasion was disrupted by severe weather that pushed the start back by more than an hour.
Once play began, Messi quickly became central to Miami’s attacking threat, delivering the corner from which Casemiro headed the hosts in front in the 32nd minute.
Atlanta responded almost immediately through Miguel Almirón, before Messi again played a decisive role in Miami’s second goal, finding Telasco Segovia during a move that eventually allowed Luis Suárez to restore the home side’s advantage just before the interval.
The result appeared destined to favour Miami until Breel Embolo converted an 87th-minute penalty to level the contest, despite goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair having earlier saved a penalty from Almirón.
Messi’s latest performance comes after an extraordinary outing against CF Montréal, when he scored four goals and supplied an assist in a 7-1 victory, taking his MLS tally to 18 goals for the season.
Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, but the dropped points leave them chasing Nashville with the regular season entering its decisive stretch.
For Messi, however, the night provided another reminder that his international retirement has not diminished his importance at club level.
