Lionel Messi made a scoring comeback from the bench, yet Inter Miami could only muster a 2-2 tie against the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer action this Saturday.
After nearly a month sidelined due to a hamstring injury, missing four matches, Messi was listed as a substitute for the home fixture.
Having sat out the 2-1 loss to Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, Inter Miami’s coach Gerard Martino opted for squad rotation ahead of the second leg.
With a lineup brimming with reserves, including Messi’s ex-Barcelona colleagues Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami looked solid but conceded just before halftime due to Ryan Sailor’s impetuous tackle on Kevin Cabral.
Rafael Navarro of the Rapids converted the ensuing penalty, giving Colorado the lead at halftime.
Messi’s introduction post-halftime was transformative, equalizing for Inter Miami 12 minutes later by capitalizing on Franco Negri’s cross.
The introduction of Busquets saw Inter Miami surge ahead — Messi’s midfield breakaway led to David Ruiz’s cross, which Leonardo Afonso coolly finished.
Messi continued to threaten, forcing a stellar save from Colorado’s ex-Manchester City keeper Zack Steffen and hitting the post.
Despite these efforts, Inter Miami conceded a late equalizer in the 88th minute through Calvin Harris’s counter-attack and Cole Bassett’s finish.
While the draw was a setback for Inter Miami, Messi’s return is a positive sign for Martino’s squad as they prepare for Monterrey.
Coach Martino praised Messi’s usual influence on the team and the morale boost his performance provided, especially in light of his recent injury.
However, Martino expressed frustration over the late conceded goal, attributing it to a lapse in match awareness and defensive position.