Lionel Messi provided an assist in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against Atlanta United in Major League Soccer in Florida last night, marking the Argentine star's first appearance since retiring from international football last week.
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Messi, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and to a second-place finish in the 2026 edition, started in Inter Miami's lineup in a match that kicked off more than 90 minutes late due to heavy rain and lightning.
The 39-year-old delivered a powerful corner kick that midfielder Casemiro headed into the net past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, giving Miami the lead in the 32nd minute.
But Miami's lead lasted only three minutes, as Casemiro slipped while dealing with a cross that rebounded off his own goalkeeper Drake Callender, falling at the feet of Atlanta's Miguel Almirón, who fired it into the net to level the score.
Luis Suárez restored Miami's lead just before the end of the first half, but Bryan Emboula converted a penalty in the 87th minute to earn Atlanta a point.
Messi, who scored four goals and provided an assist in last week's 7-1 rout of Montreal, tops the MLS scoring charts with 18 goals this season.
The player had previously expressed doubts about continuing his football career following the death of his father, Jorge, on August 8.
