Messi assists twice as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Atlanta

Inter Miami and Atlanta United drew 2-2 at Nu Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 6, with Lionel Messi providing two assists in his first club match since announcing his Argentina retirement. The rain-delayed match ended with Breel Embolo's 87th-minute penalty. 1

Casemiro opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a header from Messi's corner. Miguel Almirón equalized for Atlanta before Luis Suárez restored Inter Miami's lead in first-half stoppage time. Embolo converted a late penalty to secure the draw for Atlanta. 2

Messi also came close with a free kick that struck the crossbar in the 40th minute. The result left Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference on 43 points, 10 points behind Nashville, according to the club's recap. 2

The two assists lifted Messi to 30 goal contributions in the 2026 MLS season: 18 goals and 12 assists. MLS reported that Messi became the first player in league history to reach 30 goal contributions in three different campaigns. 3

The match also gave Messi a club appearance immediately after his Argentina farewell. His league production continued even though Inter Miami dropped two points at home. 1

Inter Miami's next confirmed match is away to Chicago Fire at 7:30 a.m. Asia/Shanghai on Thursday, Sept. 10. The game is scheduled for Soldier Field in Chicago. 2