Lionel Messi made a limited appearance as a substitute in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Wednesday night. Playing their second match in a busy week, Messi started on the bench as coach Gerardo Martino aimed to manage his workload following an injury comeback.
The 67,795 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium were thrilled when Messi entered the game in the 61st minute, replacing Julian Gressel. Just moments earlier, Miami had regained the lead with a deflected shot from Leonardo Campana after Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze had equalized David Ruiz’s opening goal for Miami.
Messi had the opportunity to increase the lead but saw his shot saved. Atlanta later leveled the score with a stunning late equalizer from Aleksei Miranchuk, ending Miami’s five-match winning streak in MLS.
“Messi always looks good, and tonight was no exception,” said Miami assistant coach Javier Morales. “He played almost 30 minutes and was active, producing chances at goal. His performance was positive for the team.”
Martino rotated his lineup for the match, with Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba also starting from the bench and joining the match in the second half. Morales noted that the coaching staff believed this lineup was ideal given the circumstances.
Inter Miami continues to hold the best record in Major League Soccer and aims to secure the Supporters’ Shield and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Messi made an impressive return to the lineup last Saturday, scoring two goals and contributing an assist in a 3-1 victory against the Philadelphia Union. He did not participate in last year’s match against Atlanta, which attracted a crowd of 71,635.
The Argentine star, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in just 14 league matches, despite a lengthy absence due to national team duties and a right ankle injury he suffered during the Copa America final on July 14.
Inter Miami’s next match is against New York City FC on Saturday.