With Messi on the Bench, Inter Miami Endures a Disappointing Draw

On the morning of September 19, Inter Miami suffered a bitter 2-2 draw against Atlanta United.

In Matchday 28, Lionel Messi made a stunning comeback with a double goal against Philadelphia, helping Inter Miami come from behind and win 3-1. After this match, fans expected the 37-year-old superstar to continue shining against Atlanta, but he was not named in the starting lineup.

David Beckham’s side got off to a good start when they scored the opening goal in the 29th minute. Ruiz scored a dangerous shot to help Inter Miami take a 1-0 lead.

Early in the second half, hosts Atlanta United scored a goal to equalize 1-1. However, Inter Miami regained the lead thanks to a nice free kick from Campana in the 59th minute.

Messi came on just as Inter Miami had a 2-1 lead. However, it was a grim day for the 37-year-old forward and his teammates when Atlanta United equalised 2-2 in the 84th minute.

At the end of the match, Inter Miami was unfortunately divided by Atlanta United with a score of 2-2.

Explaining that Messi had to sit on the bench, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said the Argentine superstar needed to rest after taking time off due to injury:

“Lionel Messi played well in the recent match but it was clear that he was tired. That was the first 90 minutes after almost 2 months out due to injury.

The 37-year-old striker will join the team for two games against Atlanta United and New York. However, we have three games in a week, so I won’t let Messi get overloaded.

Inter Miami ended their five-game winning streak by tying Atlanta United. But they still hold the top spot in the MLS standings with 63 points after 29 games.

After 3 days, Messi and his teammates continued playing away against New York City FC on September 22.