Messi returns to MLS with two assists in Inter Miami draw

Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer by creating both Inter Miami goals, but the reigning champions settled for a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Saturday.

The match marked Messi’s first appearance since he announced his retirement from international football. Thunderstorms and lightning delayed kickoff by 90 minutes, but the Argentine forward quickly became the center of the action once play began.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, heading in Messi’s corner. Atlanta equalized three minutes later through former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron. Luis Suarez restored Miami’s lead just before halftime with a composed finish after a move down the left started by Messi.

Atlanta secured a point in the 87th minute when Swiss striker Breel Embolo converted a penalty. Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, therefore returned with two assists but without a win.

Elsewhere, Toronto and Chicago drew 4-4 in an eight-goal thriller. Toronto’s Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick, while Derrick Etienne equalized in the second minute of stoppage time. Philadelphia beat Montreal 2-0, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring in the 75th minute. The goal gave Sullivan four goals and seven assists this season, surpassing Freddy Adu’s 2005 record for scoring contributions by a 16-year-old. Orlando beat San Diego 1-0 through Antoine Griezmann’s 28th-minute goal, while Austin drew 1-1 with San Jose after Guilherme Biro scored in stoppage time.