Lionel Messi produced another influential performance for Inter Miami, but the Major League Soccer champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United on Saturday.
Messi assisted both of Miami’s goals in a match that marked his first appearance since announcing his retirement from international football.
The game began 90 minutes late because of thunderstorms and lightning. Once play finally started, Messi quickly became the center of attention.
The Argentine star created several opportunities and played a direct role in both Miami goals. However, Atlanta fought back twice to secure a point.
Casemiro Gives Miami the Lead
Inter Miami took control in the 32nd minute when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro headed Messi’s corner into the net.
The goal gave Miami a deserved advantage after Messi’s delivery caused problems for the Atlanta defense.
Atlanta responded almost immediately.
Just three minutes later, former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron fired a low shot past the Miami defense to level the score.
The equalizer gave Atlanta renewed confidence and forced Miami to remain aggressive.
Suarez Restores Miami’s Advantage
Miami regained the lead shortly before halftime through Luis Suarez.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward finished a move that began on the left side of the field, with Messi again involved in the build-up.
Suarez’s composed finish put Miami 2-1 ahead at the break.
The champions appeared on course to secure another important victory, but Atlanta refused to surrender.
Miami continued to create chances after the restart, while Atlanta searched for an opportunity to level the match.
That opportunity arrived late in the game.
Embolo’s Late Penalty Changes Everything
With only three minutes remaining in normal time, Swiss striker Breel Embolo converted a penalty to make it 2-2.
The late goal denied Miami all three points and ensured the teams shared the spoils.
For Messi, the match was another reminder of his importance to Miami’s attack. Despite not scoring himself, the Argentine captain directly created both of his team’s goals.
The match also came at a significant moment in Messi’s career after he recently announced his decision to retire from international football.
Eight-Goal Thriller in Toronto
Elsewhere in MLS, Toronto and Chicago produced one of the most dramatic games of the night.
The two teams played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in an eight-goal contest.
Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick for Toronto, while Chicago’s Maren Haile-Selassie scored twice.
An own goal and a 63rd-minute strike from Robert Lewandowski helped Chicago move 4-3 ahead.
But Derrick Etienne scored two minutes into second-half stoppage time to rescue a point for Toronto.
Teenage Star Makes History
Philadelphia Union defeated Montreal 2-0, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring in the 75th minute.
The teenager has now recorded four goals and seven assists during the season.
His 11 goal contributions represent the highest single-season total by a 16-year-old in the league, surpassing Freddy Adu’s previous mark of 10 contributions from 2005.
Sullivan’s performance further highlighted the emergence of young talent in MLS.
Griezmann Leads Orlando to Victory
In Orlando, Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal as Orlando City defeated San Diego 1-0.
The French forward struck in the 28th minute to give the hosts the lead.
San Diego were unable to find an equalizer as Orlando held on for the home victory.
Meanwhile, Austin and San Jose shared the points after a 1-1 draw.
Guilherme Biro scored in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time to rescue Austin and complete another dramatic finish.
Across MLS, the latest round produced late goals, individual milestones and another standout performance from Messi, even though Inter Miami ultimately had to settle for a draw.
