Messi scores first goal since father's death as Inter Miami draw Philadelphia
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father Jorge's death on August 8, but Inter Miami had to accept a 2-2 Major League Soccer draw against Philadelphia Union on Thursday. The Argentine superstar gave Miami a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute with a trademark curling left-footed shot into the far corner. After a restrained celebration where he allowed himself a brief smile, Messi pointed towards the sky in tribute to his late father. The result leaves Miami seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, who beat New York Red Bulls 1-0 on Wednesday.
Key Points
- Messi's 26th-minute goal came as a curling left-footed shot into the far corner, his 13th of the MLS season, moving him into second place in the scoring charts
- Miami had taken the lead five minutes earlier when Messi set up Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, whose cross was finished by American Daniel Pinter
- Philadelphia's Indiana Vassilev opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Neil Pierre equalised shortly before the hour mark to secure a point for the hosts
- Before Thursday, Messi had failed to score in two matches following his return from Argentina after his father's death on August 8, including a 4-1 loss to Nashville where he missed a penalty
- Miami have now gone four matches without victory and sit seven points behind Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference
Why It Matters
Messi's emotional return to scoring form provides a significant morale boost for Inter Miami, who face Toronto on Sunday in their next fixture. With the Herons currently seven points off the top of the Eastern Conference, Messi's scoring form will be crucial if they are to mount a serious playoff push over the remaining matches of the season .
Messi's emotional return to scoring form provides a significant morale boost for Inter Miami, who face Toronto on Sunday in their next fixture. With the Herons currently seven points off the top of the Eastern Conference, Messi's scoring form will be crucial if they are to mount a serious playoff push over the remaining matches of the season .