Chester, Aug 20 (V7N)- Lionel Messi scored his first goal since returning to action following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, but Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Philadelphia took the lead in the 11th minute at Subaru Park through Indiana Vassilev. Inter Miami responded strongly, with Daniel Pintér equalizing in the 21st minute after Messi played a key role in the buildup.
Five minutes later, Messi put Miami ahead. The Argentine forward cut inside and curled a left-footed shot into the corner in the 26th minute, scoring his first goal since his father’s death on August 8.
Philadelphia fought back after halftime, with 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre heading home in the 58th minute to make it 2-2.
The hosts appeared to score again later in the match, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for offside. The game ended in a draw, while both sides finished with 10 players after Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia and Yannick Bright of Miami were sent off following a late confrontation.
Despite the result, Messi finished the match with one goal and one assist. He now has 13 goals and nine assists in 17 MLS appearances this season.
The draw also extended Inter Miami’s recent winless run, but Messi’s return to the scoresheet provided a significant personal highlight in an emotionally difficult period.
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