Messi made his return to the pitch with Inter Miami and provided another masterclass performance from the bench… all for just a draw against the Rapids.
The Argentine captain reappeared for Inter Miami on Saturday against Colorado Rapids after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him off Gerardo Martino’s squad list for over two weeks.
After a lackluster first half from The Herons at home that saw them trailing 1-0, the silver-bullet No. 10 was taken off the bench and substituted onto the field at the start of the second half. And it didn’t take him long to make an impact.
Lionel Messi goal vs. Colorado Rapids
Just 12 minutes after being substituted onto the pitch, Messi received the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box and hit a classic Messi-curler to the second post, hitting off the woodwork to make it 1-1.
MESSIIIII
You just knew he was going to score on his return. pic.twitter.com/2MZnD2TTTV— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2024
What. A. Strike.
This was Messi’s first goal for Inter Miami since playing his last game for the club in the Concacaf Champions League against Nashville SC.
The goal made DRV Pink Stadium erupt in emotion, with the home side taking advantage of the morale boost from the Argentine to push the Rapids into their own half and make the comeback.
Two minutes after scoring the equalizer, a play led by Messi into the attack sent out wide to David Ruiz, ended in a clinical strike from Brazilian Leo Alfonso to complete the comeback.
Messi --> Ruiz --> Afonso
Messi subs in and @InterMiamiCF score two goals in 15 minutes. pic.twitter.com/RfhHufqgUt— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2024
Messi-magic, ladies and gentlemen.
However and against all odds, Colorado continued to push for a positive result despite the momentary loss, making the most out of a quick counter attack to stun Miami with a late draw. Cole Bassett shushed the stadium with the late equalizer.
Harris finds Bassett and the @ColoradoRapids equalize in Miami. pic.twitter.com/1YCqxhLRw6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2024
Despite the draw, Inter Miami will now take Lionel Messi’s return as win with the club needing to make an aggregate comeback against Liga MX’s Monterrey next Wednesday, April 10 as they look to turn their 2-1 home loss around to qualify to the Concacaf Champions League's semifinal stage.
