Messi returns to scoring as Inter Miami ends losing streak with draw against Philadelphia Union

Inter Miami secured a 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night, a result that ended a three-game losing streak across all competitions. The match marked Lionel Messi’s return to scoring following his absence for the funeral of his father, Jorge, who passed away on 7 August.

Messi was instrumental in the first half, assisting Daniel Pinter for the opening goal in the 21st minute. The sequence began with a cross from Messi that was headed by Luis Suarez into Pinter’s path. Five minutes later, Messi curled a shot from 12 yards into the corner of the net, recording his 13th goal of the season in Major League Soccer.

The Philadelphia Union responded through Indiana Vassilev, who struck a volley in the first half to take the lead. The goal was credited with an assist from 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan, marking his seventh of the season. In the 58th minute, 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre headed home the equaliser, his third goal in five matches this season.

A potential winning goal for the Union by Milan Iloski in the 62nd minute was disallowed for offside. The match concluded with a scuffle in stoppage time, resulting in red cards for Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan.

Inter Miami enters this fixture in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 11 wins, three losses, and six draws. The team had previously suffered a 4-1 defeat to Nashville on Saturday, which ended a seven-game unbeaten run in the league. Rodrigo De Paul was suspended for yellow-card accumulation for the match.

The Philadelphia Union, who stand at five wins, 10 losses, and five draws, have been unbeaten in five games under interim coach Ryan Richter. The two teams met previously on 24 May, where Inter Miami won 6-4, with Luis Suarez scoring a hat-trick.