Messi scores in emotional return as Inter Miami draws 2-2

Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, but Inter Miami was held to a 2-2 draw by the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Subaru Park. The result extended Miami's winless streak to four matches across all competitions.

Messi, 39, was instrumental in turning the game around after Philadelphia took an early lead. Indiana Vassilev opened the scoring for the Union in the 11th minute. Miami equalized in the 21st minute when Messi delivered a precise cross to Luis Suárez, who headed the ball across the goal for Daniel Pinter to tap in from close range. It was the 19-year-old academy product's first MLS goal.

Five minutes later, Messi gave Miami the lead. He received a pass on the right side of the penalty area, cut inside onto his left foot, and curled a shot into the far corner for his 13th goal of the MLS season. The goal moved him into second place in the league's scoring race, one goal behind FC Dallas's Petar Musa. After scoring, Messi pointed to the sky in a restrained celebration, his first goal since his father, Jorge, passed away on August 7.

Philadelphia, which had been on a four-match winning streak, responded after halftime. In the 58th...