Lionel Messi marked his return to club football after announcing his retirement from international football with a decisive contribution to both of Inter Miami’s goals. Yet despite the Argentine star’s influence, the 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, but once play finally began, the contest quickly developed into an entertaining encounter. Messi remained at the heart of Miami’s attacking moves, with his creativity again proving central to the team’s performance.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 32nd minute. Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Brazilian midfielder Casemiro rose to meet it with a powerful header and put Miami ahead. The set-piece provided a clear example of Messi’s ability to create scoring opportunities even without taking the final touch himself.
Atlanta responded almost immediately. Just three minutes after falling behind, former Newcastle forward Miguel Almirón restored parity with a low, powerful finish. The quick response prevented Miami from settling into the match after taking the lead.
Miami regained the advantage shortly before half-time. Messi initiated an attack down the left flank, helping to create the opening from which Luis Suárez produced a composed finish. The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward’s goal put Miami 2-1 ahead going into the interval.
The second half became increasingly tense as Atlanta searched for another equaliser. The home side were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute, presenting them with a major opportunity to level the contest. However, Miami’s goalkeeper kept his side in front by saving the spot-kick.
That reprieve ultimately proved temporary. Atlanta continued to apply pressure and were awarded another penalty in the 87th minute. This time, Swiss striker Breel Embolo made no mistake, converting from the spot to bring the score level at 2-2.
Neither side could find a winning goal during the closing stages, leaving the points shared after a match in which both teams had chances to claim victory.
For Messi, the result did little to diminish his individual influence. His corner directly created Casemiro’s goal, while his involvement in the build-up to Suárez’s strike demonstrated his importance to Miami’s attacking structure. The Argentine remains his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, and his presence continues to attract significant attention whenever he takes the field.
For Inter Miami, however, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity. The champions led twice and had the advantage of a saved penalty keeping them ahead in the second half, but they could not prevent Atlanta from earning a late equaliser.
The two penalties also shaped the final outcome. Atlanta failed to convert its first opportunity but capitalised on the second, while Miami were unable to protect their narrow lead in the closing minutes.
The 2-2 draw therefore leaves Miami with a point rather than the victory they had been seeking. Messi supplied the creativity, Casemiro and Suárez provided the finishing, but Atlanta’s late pressure ensured that the champions had to settle for a share of the spoils.
