Lionel Messi scored just 12 minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench in his return to action for Inter Miami in a 2-2 tie with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
The Argentina star, who had been out injured since March 13 before coming on at halftime at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, struck a first-time deflected shot in off the post to bring Miami level at 1-1.
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The goal was Messi’s fifth in five games in all competitions this season.
Just three minutes after his effort, Messi played an integral part in Leo Alfonso‘s goal to secure a 2-1 lead over the visitors. Miami, though, couldn’t hold on for the win, with Cole Bassett equalizing for Colorado in the 88th minute.
“The usual [with Messi] in what he provokes in our team, in the rival and in the fans,” Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino said in his postgame news conference. “The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, he felt good and loose playing.
“That’s why it is a shame to let go of two points. I think we continue making errors that make us lose points.”
Messi trained regularly with the rest of the squad ahead of the Major League Soccer clash, but his participation remained undefined 24 hours prior to kickoff.
