- Messi provides two assists in Miami’s 2-2 draw.
- Argentine star shines after retiring from international footbal.
- Atlanta United snatch a late point from Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi may have moved on from international football; however, the Argentine football legend proved to the world once again that he still has a lot to give to football clubs.
In his first game after announcing his retirement from playing for the Argentina national team, Messi assisted in scoring two goals as Inter Miami settled for a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United in MLS last night.
The star player was crucial in both goals scored by Inter Miami; however, they were not able to win because of a late penalty converted by Breel Embolo.
WATCH: Messi’s Two Brilliant Assists For Inter Miami
Messi opened his account for the evening in the 32nd minute when his perfectly deliveredcorner found Casemiro inside the box. The Brazilian midfielder rose highest to head the ball into the net and put Inter Miami ahead.
Case in the air, again ✈️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/UdDE2MbYcp
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 6, 2026
Atlanta responded almost immediately, with Miguel Almirón finding the equaliser just three minutes later.
Messi then produced another moment of quality shortly before half-time. The Argentine lifted a superb pass towards Telasco Segovia, who subsequently set up Luis Suárez for a right-footed finish from the centre of the box. It was Suárez’s 12th goal of the MLS season and restored Miami’s lead going into the break.
However, Inter Miami were unable to hold on. Atlanta were awarded a late penalty and Breel Embolo converted from the spot in the 87th minute to make it 2-2. Miami pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Atlanta survived a series of late chances to secure a point.
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Emotional Return For Messi
The encounter was rendered even more important given Messi’s announcement to retire from international football. The Argentine football great revealed last week that he has now finished his career with the national team, thus completing an extraordinary run that culminated in winning the World Cup in 2022.
Fans gathered in the Nu Stadium in Miami were seen waiting for Messi as early as before the match started. Though storms and pouring rain caused the match to be delayed by over an hour, the crowd let out a loud cheer upon the players’ arrival for warm-ups, especially for Messi himself.
Rodrigo De Paul, who played on the same field with Messi, spoke about the emotional magnitude of the event and how happy he was to see Argentina’s iconic player make his return.
ALSO READ: Former Real Madrid And Spain World Cup Winner Announces Retirement From International Football
Messi Still Making The Difference
Even though the outcome may not have been an encouraging one, Messi proved yet again how crucial he is for Inter Miami. His two assists elevated him to another level in a match where the home team had plenty of chances to win.
Inter Miami is still in second place in the East but lies 11 points behind the division leaders, Nashville, having to clinch 11 regular-season matches. Messi goes on with his club career after he successfully brought the international one to a close.