Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 MLS draw against Colorado Rapids.
The Argentine superstar, who had missed four games due to a hamstring issue, entered the match in the second half with his team trailing 1-0 after Rafael Navarro converted a penalty for the Rapids.
Messi wasted no time making an impact, equalizing with a left-footed strike before assisting Leonardo Afonso for Miami’s second goal.
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Despite Messi’s contribution, Miami couldn’t hold onto their lead, as Cole Bassett scored an equalizer for the Rapids in the 88th minute.
Miami manager Gerard Martino praised Messi’s performance, stating, “What Leo did is the usual for him, what he provokes in our team, in his teammates, in the people.”
Martino added, “The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, he felt good, he felt loose. This will help him to be more confident, especially with regard to the injury, for the second leg in Monterrey.”
Miami will face Monterrey in the return leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, aiming to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.