Messi returns to MLS with two assists as Inter Miami draw with Atlanta

Lionel Messi marked his return to Major League Soccer action by providing two assists as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United on Saturday.

The match was Messi’s first since he announced his retirement from international football with Argentina.

The game got underway 90 minutes later than scheduled due to thunderstorms and lightning, but Messi quickly became central to the action once play began.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 32nd minute when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Messi.

Atlanta responded just three minutes later, with former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron firing a low shot into the net to level the score.

Miami regained the advantage shortly before half-time when former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez produced a composed finish following a move down the left that was initiated by Messi.

However, Atlanta secured a point in the 87th minute after Swiss striker Breel Embolo converted a penalty.

Elsewhere in MLS, Toronto and Chicago shared an entertaining 4-4 draw in an eight-goal thriller, with Derrick Etienne scoring two minutes into second-half stoppage time to rescue a point for Toronto.

Josh Sargent scored a hat-trick for Toronto, while Chicago’s Maren Haile-Selassie netted twice. An own goal and Robert Lewandowski’s 63rd-minute strike had put Chicago 4-3 ahead before Etienne’s late equaliser.

Philadelphia secured a 2-0 victory over Montreal, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring in the 75th minute.

The goal took Sullivan’s tally for the season to four goals and seven assists, giving him the most goal contributions by a 16-year-old in a single season, surpassing Freddy Adu’s record of 10 set in 2005.

In Orlando, Antoine Griezmann scored in the 28th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 victory over San Diego.

Austin, meanwhile, secured a 1-1 draw with San Jose after Guilherme Biro scored in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time.