Messi scores first goal since father’s death in Inter Miami draw

Miami, Aug 20 - Lionel Messi netted his first goal since his father passed away, but Inter Miami were content with a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The 39-year-old Argentine striker put the hosts ahead in the 26th minute with a precise curling left-footed shot into the far corner. After a short celebration with teammates, Messi celebrated again by pointing to the sky over Philadelphia.

Messi had scored again just five minutes earlier when he set up young American Daniel Pinter to head the ball into the net. Miami's other goal was scored by Indiana Vassilev in the 11th minute, while Neil Pierre netted the equalizer for the Union in the 58th. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos expressed disappointment with the draw, stating they had not won and needed to prepare for their next match in less than 72 hours.

Messi now sits second in the league's scoring chart with 13 goals, three behind Croatian Peter Musa, who scored twice for Dallas in a 3-4 victory at Real Salt Lake. Miami had not scored in their last two matches following his return from Argentina following his father's death.