By Our Reporter
Lionel Messi marked his return to Inter Miami action by creating both of his side’s goals as the Major League Soccer champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United on Saturday.
The match was delayed by 90 minutes because of thunderstorms and lightning, but Messi quickly became the centre of attention once play eventually began.
The Argentine star, who recently announced his retirement from international football, was instrumental in both Miami goals.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 32nd minute when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Messi.
Atlanta responded just three minutes later, with former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron firing a low shot beyond the Miami goalkeeper to level the scores.
Messi then played a key role in restoring Miami’s advantage shortly before half-time. The move began on the left and ended with former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez producing a composed finish to make it 2-1.
However, Atlanta refused to leave empty-handed. Swiss striker Breel Embolo converted an 87th-minute penalty to secure a point for the visitors.
The result extended Messi’s return to club football following his announcement that he would no longer represent Argentina internationally.
Elsewhere in MLS, Toronto and Chicago played out a remarkable 4-4 draw in an eight-goal thriller.
Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick for Toronto, while Maren Haile-Selassie struck twice for Chicago. An own goal and a 63rd-minute effort from Robert Lewandowski had put Chicago 4-3 ahead before Derrick Etienne scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time to rescue a point for Toronto.
Philadelphia Union defeated Montreal 2-0, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring in the 75th minute.
The goal took Sullivan’s tally for the season to four goals and seven assists, giving him 11 goal contributions and setting a new MLS record for a 16-year-old. He surpassed Freddy Adu’s previous mark of 10 scoring contributions, set in 2005.
In Orlando, Antoine Griezmann scored in the 28th minute to give Orlando City a 1-0 home victory over San Diego.
Austin FC also secured a late point, with Guilherme Biro scoring in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw against San Jose.