Messi returned to play after about a month of recovery. (Photo: Reuters)

Lionel Messi returned to play after injury, coming on as a substitute in the second half of Inter Miami’s match against Colorado Rapids in round 7 of the 2024 American Professional Soccer League (MLS).

When Lionel Messi entered the field, Inter Miami was leading 0-1 against the away team. Rafael Navarro opened the score for Colorado Rapids from the penalty spot in the 45th minute.

The Argentine superstar quickly left his mark with the goal to equalize 1-1 for Inter Miami in the 57th minute. Lionel Messi picked up Franco Negri’s cross and then shot at an angle, knocking out the opponent’s goalkeeper.

Continuing the excitement, Lionel Messi sparked an attack that led to a goal to increase the score to 2-1 in the 60th minute. Lionel Messi broke through the middle and passed the ball just enough for David Ruiz to cross for Leonardo Alphonso to score.

Messi scored on the day he returned from injury. (Photo: Reuters)

Colorado Rapids held Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw. (Photo: Reuters)

Unfortunately, Lionel Messi’s classy performance was not enough to help Inter Miami win. The home team dropped 2 points when the clock showed 88 minutes.

Cole Bassett ended Colorado Rapids’ counterattack with an angled shot, sealing a 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium.

With this result, Inter Miami is ranked second in the Eastern rankings in MLS with 12 points after 8 matches, 2 points behind the top position of NY Red Bulls but played 1 more match. Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids is ranked 9th on the Western rankings with 9 points after 7 matches.