Messi was immediately involved
Lionel Messi returned to club football with Inter Miami and provided an assist in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. The match was his first appearance since announcing his retirement from international football, closing one of the most decorated national-team careers in the sport.
A weather-delayed match produced four goals
Heavy rain and lightning delayed the start by more than 90 minutes. Messi then delivered a corner in the 32nd minute that Casemiro headed in to give Miami the lead. Atlanta equalised shortly afterwards before Luis Suarez restored Miami’s advantage. A late Breel Embolo penalty eventually secured a draw for Atlanta.
Messi remains productive in MLS
Even after stepping away from Argentina, Messi continues to be a major attacking force for Inter Miami. Reuters reported that he is joint top of the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals. His decision to continue club football means attention now turns to how long the 39-year-old can maintain that level.
What comes next
Inter Miami will continue relying heavily on Messi’s creativity and finishing as the season progresses. For football fans, his post-international career is now a new phase: fewer matches, less travel with Argentina, but continued competition at club level.