Lionel Messi made a second-half appearance as a substitute in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Wednesday night. Coach Gerardo Martino opted to start Messi on the bench to manage his recovery from an injury amid a busy schedule of three games in a week.
The match drew a lively crowd of 67,795 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Messi entered the game in the 61st minute, replacing Julian Gressel. Just moments before Messi joined the action, Miami regained the lead with Leonardo Campana’s deflected goal after Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze had equalized for the home team, canceling out David Ruiz’s initial goal for Miami.
Messi attempted to extend his team’s advantage but had a shot saved. A dramatic equalizer from Atlanta’s Aleksei Miranchuk dashed Miami’s hopes of continuing their five-match winning streak in MLS.
Miami assistant coach Javier Morales praised Messi’s performance, stating, “He played almost 30 minutes, where he looked active. He had chances at goal, so like always his performance was positive for the team.”
Martino made multiple adjustments to the lineup, resting key players including Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, who also started on the bench but played later in the game. Morales supported the decision, noting it was well thought out given the team’s circumstances and a near win.
Despite the draw, Miami maintains the best record in Major League Soccer and is aiming to secure the Supporters’ Shield and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Messi recently returned to the lineup with a strong performance, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.
The 37-year-old Argentine had not played against Atlanta in the previous year, much to the disappointment of fans. Prior to this match, he was absent from Inter Miami since June due to national team obligations and an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final.
Messi has produced 14 goals and 14 assists in his league appearances, having played only 14 matches. Inter Miami will next face New York City FC on Saturday.