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Lionel Messi has marked his return to the scoresheet with an emotional goal for Inter Miami, but the Major League Soccer side was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union.
The Argentine forward scored in the 26th minute, producing a trademark curling left-foot strike that found the far corner of the net to give Miami a 2-1 lead. After finding the back of the net, Messi shared a restrained celebration with his teammates before pointing both hands towards the sky.
The goal has been Messi’s first since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8. The 39-year-old had failed to score in Miami’s previous two matches after returning from Argentina, including a 3-2 defeat to Mexican side Leon that eliminated the club from the Leagues Cup and a 4-1 MLS loss to Nashville, where he missed a penalty.
Messi also played a key role in Miami’s opening goal against Philadelphia, creating the opportunity after connecting with Luis Suarez’s run down the left flank. Suarez’s cross allowed young American forward Daniel Pinter to finish from close range.
However, Philadelphia Union fought back to earn a point, with Indiana Vassilev scoring in the 11th minute before Neil Pierre restored parity in the 58th minute.
The result has extended Miami’s winless run to four matches, leaving the club seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville. Despite the setback, Messi moved into second place on the MLS scoring chart with 13 goals, one behind FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
Inter Miami will now look to recover form as the team continues its push for a stronger finish to the MLS season.
