MIAMI : Lionel Messi provided an assist in his first appearance since retiring from international soccer as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United in Florida on Saturday.
Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and a runners-up finish in 2026, started the match after kickoff was delayed by more than 90 minutes because of heavy rain and lightning.
The 39-year-old curled in a corner that midfielder Casemiro headed past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to give Miami the lead in the 32nd minute.
Atlanta equalised three minutes later when Casemiro slid to block a cross, only for the ball to deflect off Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and fall to Miguel Almiron, who finished into the net.
Luis Suarez restored Miami’s advantage shortly before halftime, but Breel Embolo converted an 87th-minute penalty to earn Atlanta a point.
Messi, who scored four goals and provided an assist in Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montreal last weekend, is joint top of the MLS scoring charts with 18 goals this season.
The Argentine had previously expressed uncertainty over his playing future following the death of his father, Jorge, on Aug. 8.
