Lionel Messi Scores as Inter Miami Draw Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi scored and provided an assist as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Wednesday night. The match marked Messi’s first goal since returning to action following the death of his father, Jorge, and helped Miami halt a three-game losing run in all competitions.

Messi created Inter Miami’s opening goal in the 21st minute, delivering a cross that Luis Suarez headed into the path of forward Daniel Pinter. Five minutes later, Messi made it 2-1 when he cut inside onto his left foot from 12 yards and curled his shot into the corner.

The result left Inter Miami with an 11-3-6 record. Miami had entered the match second in the Eastern Conference after a 4-1 defeat to first-place Nashville on Saturday, a game in which Messi played 90 minutes, missed a penalty, struck the post twice and assisted Telasco Segovia’s goal.

Messi’s goal and assist put Miami ahead

Philadelphia had taken the lead in the first half through Indiana Vassilev, who scored on a volley. Cavan Sullivan, the Union’s 16-year-old midfielder, was credited with his seventh assist of the season on Vassilev’s goal.

Inter Miami responded through Messi’s involvement. His delivery set up the move that ended with Pinter scoring in the 21st minute, before Messi completed Miami’s turnaround five minutes later. The goal was Messi’s 13th in 17 MLS games this season, while his assist took him to nine in league play.

Messi has also been productive against Philadelphia. Across six matches in all competitions against the Union, he has recorded six goals and four assists. Earlier this season, Inter Miami beat Philadelphia 6-4 on May 24. Messi did not score in that match, but Suarez struck a hat trick as Miami recovered from first-half deficits of 2-0 and 3-1.

Wednesday’s appearance followed a difficult recent period for Miami. The club had lost three consecutive games in all competitions, including defeats to two Mexican clubs in the Leagues Cup. The Nashville defeat also ended a seven-match MLS unbeaten run for Miami, which had gone 6-0-1 in league play since May 9.

Messi had appeared as a substitute in the Aug. 12 loss to Leon, playing 45 minutes. He missed the Aug. 8 match against Monterrey after travelling home for the funeral of his father, who died on Aug. 7. His full contribution against Philadelphia gave Miami a goal and an assist from their forward, but the visitors were unable to convert the advantage into a victory.

Union equalise as late tension brings red cards

Philadelphia levelled in the 58th minute when 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre headed home. It was Pierre’s third goal in five games this season, and it restored parity after Miami’s first-half response.

The Union appeared to have found another goal in the 62nd minute when forward Milan Iloski put the ball in the net. However, the effort was reviewed and disallowed because Pierre was offside in the buildup.

The match ended with further drama in stoppage time. Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Sullivan were both shown red cards following a scuffle off the ball.

Philadelphia moved on from the draw with a 5-10-5 record and an unbeaten run of five matches, going 4-0-1 since Ryan Richter was appointed interim coach. Rodrigo De Paul was unavailable for Inter Miami after being suspended for yellow-card accumulation.

For Miami, Messi’s return to the scoresheet and his role in both goals provided a positive outcome from a match that ultimately finished level. The club took a point from Philadelphia after a run of defeats, while the Union extended their unbeaten stretch under their interim coach.