Lionel Messi made a successful comeback for Inter Miami on Saturday by scoring a fantastic goal just 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Franco Negri, who started his first game for the team since June 2023, delivered a great pass to Messi on the edge of the box, where he scored with a low curling shot.
The goal was Messi’s fourth in four games this season and helped Inter Miami get back into the game.
At halftime, Inter Miami was trailing 1-0 to the Rapids after conceding a penalty. However, Messi was brought on during the match and immediately made an impact.
His goal equalized the score, and just two minutes later, Leo Afonso scored to give Inter Miami the lead, with Messi providing an assist.
Despite Afonso’s goal in the 60th minute, it was not enough for the Herons to secure a win. In the 88th minute, the Rapids scored an equalizer through Cole Bassett on the counterattack, leaving the game tied.
The Herons are set to face CF Monterrey in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup match against the Liga MX club on Wednesday.
Messi scored a goal as a substitute on Saturday, indicating that he will likely play a part in the upcoming game against Rayados midweek.
