Lionel Messi made a stunning comeback for Inter Miami, scoring just 12 minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench in a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
The Argentine star, sidelined with injury since March 13, made his return at halftime at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His first-time deflected shot found the back of the net off the post, bringing Miami level at 1-1.
This goal marked Messi’s fifth in five games across all competitions this season. Just three minutes later, he played a key role in Leo Alfonso’s goal, giving Miami a 2-1 lead over the visitors.
However, despite their efforts, Miami couldn’t maintain the lead, as Cole Bassett equalized 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.”
Despite training regularly with the rest of the squad leading up to the Major League Soccer clash, Messi’s participation remained uncertain just 24 hours before kickoff.
“Messi’s evolution is exactly as we planned it,” Martino added. “We knew there was a risk for him to play against Monterrey on Wednesday, but it was planned that he would play minutes today. We were between 30 and 45, and he felt good.
“This helps to reach the second leg against Monterrey with more confidence, especially in relation to his injury.”
Miami heads to Monterrey, Mexico, for the return leg on Wednesday down 2-1 from the first match but with Martino hopeful of having Messi involved.
“The idea is that Messi does play on Wednesday,” he said. “But he just played 45 minutes, though we understand the requirements expected from us in the second leg. The most important thing is that he’s back, he felt good, scored a goal and participated in the second. That’s the most outstanding part.”