Lionel Messi was limited to a second-half substitute appearance as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United on Wednesday night.
The match, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw 67,795 fans eager to witness Messi in action.
With the Herons navigating a tight schedule of three games within a week, Messi started on the bench.
Head coach Gerardo Martino had previously expressed concerns about overworking his star player, who is recovering from an injury amidst the club’s busy run of fixtures.
“Messi always looks good, and tonight was no exception,” Miami assistant coach Javier Morales said after the game.
“He played almost 30 minutes, where he looked active. He had chances at goal, so like always his performance was positive for the team.”
Martino made several changes to his lineup for the midweek game in Atlanta, with Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba joining Messi in starting from the bench before coming on in the second half.
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“We have three games this week and various players suspended so for this game Tata Martino and the coaching staff thought this was the perfect team to face Atlanta.
I thought it was a good decision, since we almost took home the three points.”
Messi made his entrance in the 61st minute, replacing Julian Gressel, much to the delight of the packed stadium.
Just two minutes before his substitution, Leonardo Campana scored for Miami, retaking the lead after Saba Lobjanidze’s equalizer canceled out David Ruiz’s earlier goal.
Although Messi had a chance to extend the lead, his shot was saved.
Atlanta United’s Aleksei Miranchuk delivered a stunning equalizer late in the game, ending Miami’s streak of five consecutive MLS victories.
Despite the draw, Inter Miami continues to maintain the best record in Major League Soccer, eyeing the Supporters’ Shield and home-field advantage for the playoffs.
Messi, 37, recently returned to the lineup after a prolonged absence, scoring twice and assisting in a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union last Saturday.
His return to action has been crucial as the Argentine icon has accumulated 14 goals and 14 assists in just 14 MLS matches this season, even after missing several games due to national team duties and a right ankle injury.
Inter Miami will next face New York City FC on Saturday, aiming to extend their impressive form.
