Alexey Miranchuk scored on a tremendous shot in the 84th minute to give Atlanta United a 2-2 tie with MLS-leading Inter Miami. On Wednesday night, it brought on Lionel Messi as a substitute to move a step closer to the Supporter’s shield.
Messi started this game on the bench after making a victorious return to the Miami lineup with two goals and an assist. Coach Gerardo Martino wanted to manage the moments of his 37-year-old player because he had come back from a right ankle injury with the club amid a busy stretch.
There were approximately 67,795 fans in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Messi Came onto the field to join the action in the 61st minute. Messi replaced Julian Gressel.
Just two minutes earlier, Leo Campana had scored off a deflected free kick to put the Herons in front. However, the Argentine Star couldn’t find the net in his limited time on the ground.
Miami amended to 19-4-6 with five matches remaining in the regular season. Messi showed gleams including a backfooted pass to Federico Redondo. Redondo misfired trying to get it back to the Miami star on his best shot.
In stoppage time, Messi squirted around three players within the penalty area but failed to get off a shot. Lastly, he threw up his arms with disappointment when another pass was snatched by Atlanta.
Miranchuk unleashed a left-footed shot from 20 meters out, which was found at the top left corner of the goal.
Both teams created many scoring chances at the closing minute, but neither could break through.
Miami grabbed the lead on David Ruiz’s goal in the 29th off another swing. Negri’s pass hit an individual just outside the area, somehow got through another three players, and wound up going right to Ruiz.
The 37-year-old Messi made a stunning return to Miami’s lineup this past Saturday after his longer absence. He scored two goals and assisted on the third in a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Messi didn’t play a year ago when Inter Miami visited Atlanta, it disappointed a crowd of 71, 635.
The Argentine Star has not played with Inter Miami since June 1 because of national team commitments.
Messi has 14 goals and 14 assists in League play, regardless just playing 14 matches.
Inter Miami will visit the next New York City FC on Saturday.