Lionel Messi scored just 12 minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench on his return to action for Inter Miami against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
The Argentina star, who had been out injured since March 13 before coming on at halftime, struck a first-time deflected shot in off the post to bring Miami level. Just three minutes after his effort, Messi played an integral part in Leo Alfonso‘s goal to secure a 2-1 lead over the visitors.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL more (U.S.)
Messi now has five goals in five games in all competitions this season.
Messi trained regularly with the rest of the squad ahead of the Major League Soccer clash, but his participation at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, remained undefined 24 hours prior to kick off.
“We’re going to see how he feels at training. If he feels good, I’m sure Tata [manager Gerardo Martino] will want to count on him [on Saturday] whether it’s 10 minutes, 15 minutes or 45. We want to have him,” assistant coach Javier Morales said Friday.
Messi last played in the 3-1 Concacaf Champions Cup win against Nashville SC before being forced off after 50 minutes with a right hamstring injury.
Following the game, Messi withdrew from Argentina’s roster for the two March friendlies and watched from afar as Miami faced D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC and CF Montreal.
Messi also missed the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match against CF Monterrey on Wednesday.