Lionel Messi returned to the scoresheet with an emotional goal for Inter Miami, but the 39-year-old could not inspire the reigning Leagues Cup holders to victory as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Thursday.
The goal was Messi’s first since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on 8 August at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge had been a major influence on his son’s life and career, as well as serving as his agent for many years.
Messi made an immediate impact at Subaru Park, where he scored Inter Miami’s second goal in the 26th minute. He carried the ball into the penalty area before creating space for a powerful left-footed finish that found the back of the net.
The strike ended a period without a goal for Messi following his father’s death, although it was not enough to secure a return to winning ways for Inter Miami. The Florida side had been attempting to recover from a difficult run of form after losing their previous three matches.
“Engancha y patea, capitan. 😮💨🪄”
Messi also played an important role in Inter Miami’s opening goal. He produced a precise pass to Luis Suarez, who then delivered a headed cross towards Pinter, allowing his team-mate to finish.
“PINTER gets us back in it! 😤👊”
The result ended Inter Miami’s three-match losing streak and gave the club a point as it seeks to regain its balance in the competition. However, the draw meant the team were unable to complete a full recovery after their recent defeats.
Messi’s goal took his tally for the current season to 13. That moved him to within one goal of Petar Musa, the Dallas forward who currently leads the MLS Golden Boot standings.
The Argentina captain won the league’s Golden Boot last season and remains in contention to retain the award despite his age and the personal circumstances surrounding his return to football.
Jorge Messi’s death had prompted an emotional message from his son, who spoke about the profound effect his father had on both his career and his life. Lionel Messi has now returned to action and found the net again, although his latest goal came in a match that ended without victory for Inter Miami.
The club, the holders of the Leagues Cup, will now continue their efforts to rebuild momentum in the MLS campaign, with Messi still closely involved in the race for the league’s leading scorer award.