Lionel Messi scores emotional first goal since father’s death
Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Wednesday.
The Argentina captain found the net in the 26th minute with a trademark left-footed finish into the far corner, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead at Subaru Park.
After scoring, Messi shared a brief celebration with his teammates before pointing towards the sky in an emotional tribute to his late father. Jorge Messi died on August 8 at the age of 68, making the goal particularly significant for the Inter Miami captain.
Messi delivers emotional tribute
Messi's celebration was restrained before he looked towards the sky and raised his hands in tribute to his father. It was his first goal since returning to action following Jorge Messi's death.
The 39-year-old had played twice without scoring since returning from Argentina. Inter Miami subsequently suffered defeats against León in the Leagues Cup and Nashville in MLS.
His goal against Philadelphia therefore ended a difficult spell in front of goal while also providing a poignant moment for the veteran forward.
Messi helps Inter Miami take the lead
Messi was also involved in Inter Miami's opening goal of the match. Five minutes before finding the net himself, the Argentine picked out Luis Suárez's run down the left side.
Suárez then headed the ball across the area, allowing young American forward Daniel Pinter to finish from close range. Philadelphia had opened the scoring through Indiana Vassilev in the 11th minute, but Miami quickly turned the match around.
Messi's 26th-minute strike put Inter Miami ahead at 2-1.
Philadelphia Union fight back
Inter Miami were unable to hold onto their advantage. Philadelphia defender Neil Pierre scored in the 58th minute to restore parity and ultimately secure a point for the hosts.
The 2-2 draw means Inter Miami have now gone four matches without a victory, adding further pressure to their MLS campaign. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted the result was disappointing but said the team must quickly turn its attention to the next fixture.
Inter Miami are scheduled to face Toronto FC on Saturday, giving the squad less than 72 hours to recover.
Messi climbs MLS scoring chart
Despite Inter Miami's recent struggles, Messi's goal moved him to second place in the MLS scoring standings. The Argentine now has 13 league goals, three behind Croatian striker Petar Musa.
Musa scored twice for Dallas in their 4-3 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, keeping him at the top of the scoring chart. Messi will therefore have another personal target to chase as Inter Miami attempt to improve their position in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami seven points behind leaders
The draw leaves Inter Miami seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville. Nashville strengthened their position by defeating the New York Red Bulls 1-0 on Wednesday.
Miami's recent run has been particularly challenging. Before the draw with Philadelphia, they were eliminated from the Leagues Cup after losing 3-2 to Mexican side León. They then suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Nashville, with Messi missing a penalty in that match.
The Philadelphia draw at least stopped the losing streak, although Miami remain without a victory in their last four matches.
Messi's next challenge
Messi now faces a quick turnaround as Inter Miami prepare to meet Toronto FC. The Argentine will hope his emotional goal against Philadelphia can provide the spark needed to revive Miami's campaign.
At 39, Messi remains one of the league's most influential players and is still competing at the top of the MLS scoring charts. His latest goal was therefore significant on two levels: it helped Inter Miami claim a point and marked his first goal since the loss of his father.
SportsLigue
