Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father's death with netting and assisting as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union in an intense match on Wednesday night that ended with two red cards.
Messi's father and longtime representative Jorge died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina at age 68. Messi missed Miami's August 8 match to attend the funeral and returned as a substitute in an August 12 loss before starting Wednesday's game.
At Subaru Park Messi's cross set up Daniel Pinter for Miami's opening goal in the 21st minute. In the 26th Messi cut inside and curled a left-footed shot into the net then embraced by teammates in an emotional moment. He now has 13 goals and nine assists in 17 MLS games this season with sitting one goal behind Dallas's Petar Musa in the Golden Boot race.
The Union fought back Indiana Vassilev volleyed them level, and 18-year-old Neil Pierre headed in an equaliser in the 58th minute. A late Union goal was ruled out for offside and stoppage time saw Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan both sent off after a scuffle.
"It was an evenly matched game where we had to work hard for the draw," said Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos.
The result ended a three-game losing streak for the defending MLS Cup champions who sit second in the Eastern Conference. The Union, 14th in the East, remain unbeaten in five games under interim coach Ryan Richter. Messi also captained Argentina to this year's World Cup final where they lost to Spain.
