Lionel Messi provided two assists for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Saturday also his first match since announcing his retirement from Argentina's national team earlier this week.
Playing at a rain-delayed match starting more than 90 minutes late at Inter Miami's Nu Stadium, Messi set up both of his team's goals. His corner kick was headed in by Casemiro to open the scoring in the 32nd minute. Atlanta's Miguel Almirón equalized just minutes later after a deflected clearance fell to his feet.
Before halftime, Messi lofted a pass toward Telasco Segovia, who assisted Luis Suárez for his 12th goal of the season with restoring Miami's lead. Atlanta salvaged a point with Breel Embolo converting a penalty in the 87th minute, holding off a late surge from Inter Miami.
Fans cheered as players emerged for a delayed warm-up due to heavy rain and lightning with erupting into louder applause when Messi took the field. Teammate Rodrigo De Paul called the moment "very emotional" reflecting on the joy of seeing Messi represent Argentina on the world stage.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and a runner-up finish in 2026 ended his international career this week. The 39-year-old had previously expressed uncertainty about his football future following the death of his father, Jorge on August 8.
Despite stepping away from international duty, Messi remains in dominant club form he scored four goals and added an assist in last weekend's 7-1 win over CF Montreal and is now tied for the MLS scoring lead with 18 goals this season.
Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference with ten points behind leaders Nashville with 11 matches left in the regular season.
