Lionel Messi it marked his first appearance since then retire from international football with two assists as Inter Miami drew 2-2 against Atlanta United MLS.
The 39-year-old announced last week that he had called an end to his Argentine career, but returned to club action on Saturday night and immediately made his influence felt.
Messi provided goals from Casemiro and Luis Suarez, although Inter Miami were denied all three points after Breel Embolo converted a late penalty for Atlanta.
Messi scores two goals in the return of Inter Miami
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when he headed in a Messi corner.
Atlanta responded just two minutes later through Miguel Almiron, setting up an entertaining contest at Miami’s Nu Stadium.
Messi then produced another moment of quality shortly before the break, flicking a pass towards Telasco Segovia.
Segovia turned the ball into the path of Suarez, who made no mistake from the center of the box to score his 12th MLS goal of the season.
The result looked set to give Inter Miami three more important points, but Atlanta were awarded a penalty with three minutes remaining in normal time.
Embolo stepped up and converted from the spot in the 87th minute before Atlanta survived a late flurry of chances from the home side to claim a point.
The tie leaves Inter Miami with ground to claw back at Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, although they still have 11 regular season games remaining.
Messi returns emotional after the Argentine withdrawal
Messi’s return to club football came just days after he confirmed his time with Argentina was over.
The Inter Miami forward ended his international career as Argentina’s record goalscorer and appearances after helping the country win the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America.
There was a special atmosphere surrounding Saturday’s game, with heavy rain causing a delay of more than an hour before the players could begin their warm-up.
Supporters applauded both sets of players as they came out, but the loudest reception was reserved for Messi as he emerged from the tunnel.
Rodrigo De Paul, who played alongside Messi in Argentina, spoke of the importance of seeing his former international team-mate on the pitch.
“Very emotional,” De Paul said in Spanish during a pre-match interview on Apple TV.
“We were so excited to have him out on the field. It brought us so much joy to see the Argentina shirt all over the world, and he always had a number 10 on the back.”
