Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi goes up for a header during a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season football match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, on September 5, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)
Lionel Messi set up both goals for Inter Miami as the Major League Soccer champions drew 2-2 with Atlanta United on Saturday in the Argentina star’s first match since announcing his retirement from international football.
Thunderstorms and lightning delayed the start for 90 minutes, but there were sparks aplenty on the field after with Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, at the heart of the action.
Miami grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute when Brazil’s Casemiro rose to head home Messi’s corner.
Atlanta equalized three minutes later when former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron blasted home a low shot.
