Internal post, from the inside: The Joker Messi returns quickly

Lionel Messi has returned to the MLS after suffering a thigh injury. During the comeback, it took less than twelve minutes for Inter Miami to equalize. However, it was not enough to beat Colorado.

Crucial again: Lionel Messi.
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In Messi's absence, Inter Miami had lost ground in recent weeks, and expectations were similarly high for the Argentine when he returned almost a month later. It wasn't enough to get a place in the starting lineup.

But after the Florida team fell behind shortly before the end of the first half thanks to a penalty kick scored by Rafael Navarro (45th minute), coach Gerardo Martino brought on his star at the beginning of the second half. And it quickly paid off: Negri made a perfect pass from left to centre, and Messi, running into the area, placed the ball accurately at the left post from 15 meters out – and from there it bounced into the goal (57th position).

Messi wasn't even on the pitch for twelve minutes. And it got better: Leonardo Afonso even turned the game in Miami's favor (60 minutes), and this time Messi was involved in the penultimate pass to goal. In the end, thanks to Bassett's late equalizer for Colorado (88'), only one point was enough.