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Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami with brilliant goal - but Herons' late collapse overshadows Argentine in draw with Colorado Rapids

After a tight start to the match, the Herons were hit with a big blow in the first half, as second-string strike Leonardo Campana left the match shortly before the break due to injury. Adding to their last of attacking absences, he joins Robert Taylor, Facundo Farias and Robbie Robinson at the medical table - while Lionel Messi just made his return.Things didn't get better, as just minutes later the Rapids took the lead just before the halfway mark of the match. Rapids winger Kevin Cabral was brought down in the box by Miami's Ryan Sailor, and Rafael Navarro stepped up for the ensuing spot-kick to give them the lead before the break.However, positive news did make its way to fans at Chase Field during the 15-minute halfway stoppage, with Messi subbing on for Lawson Sunderland. The Argentine's impact was nearly instant, too.He scored a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-stupendous-goal-colorado-rapids/bltcfde1df632fac1aa" target="_blank">brilliant goal</a> in his return to action in the 58th minute from outside the box, giving the Herons the energy they needed to push for a result. Just two minutes later, he had a lovely hockey assist on a Leo Afonso goal that doubled their lead to make it 2-1.A trend followed, though: Miami conceding late. For the second-straight game, Miami's opponent found the back of the net with minutes to spare, this time with Colorado's Cole Bassett netting an equalizer in the 88th minute.The two teams settled for a draw and a point-a-piece, but Tata Martino's squad will likely look at this as points dropped.

TELL ME MORE

Saturday marked Franco Negri's first Inter Miami appearance since June 2023, after over 10 months of recovery from injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lionel Messi and Benjamin Cremaschi: You could not write the script better, it is the perfect time for two of their stars to return with the first-team. The U.S. international has yet to make an MLS appearance yet this campaign after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-usmnt-benjamin-cremaschi-ruled-out-sports-hernia-surgery/bltdfaa68b4ac7bfa07" target="_blank">undergoing Sports Hernia surgery in January,</a> and was named to the bench for the first time this season, although he didn't get into the game.Although Cremaschi is not cap-tied to the USMNT, he's appeared in multiple international friendlies and is in contention for their 2024 Paris Olympics squad. He was also named to GOAL'S <a href="NXGN 2024: The 50 best wonderkids in football" target="_blank">NXGN</a> list of the top 50 wonderkids in the world. His return will be crucial for the Herons midfield - and attack.Messi, meanwhile, is back at the perfect time. He will be needed to inspire a potential road comeback this coming week against Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and gathered some very important first-team minutes Saturday to prepare for it. The goal is a plus, but the important thing is he is match fit and ready to compete in their biggest match of the season this coming week.

THE MVP

The Inter Miami medical team: Losing Campana was just the latest blow, but heading into Wednesday, they'll now be without eight first-team players due to injury. By no means are any of these injuries their fault. Rather, they will now have their work cut out for them to get some key players healthy in a timely manner.Campana will need to be evaluated, but over the next two months, Yannick Bright, Robert Taylor, Serhiy Kryvstov, Robbie Robinson, Ian Fray and Federico Redondo are expected to return to the pitch. Those are players who can change the course of the season for Miami - if healthy.With Campana being the newest added to the list, it will be huge to see him - or one of the other attackers sidelined - back on the field as soon as possible.

THE BIG LOSER

The Herons will clash with Monterrey on the road Wednesday in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie with the Liga MX club.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-collapse-without-lionel-messi-cf-monterrey-concacaf-champions-cup/blt0c27316d191a746c" target="_blank"> Facing a 2-0 deficit heading into the match</a>, they have an uphill battle awaiting them. However, with Messi now available, anything is possible.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami with brilliant goal - but Herons' late collapse overshadows Argentine in draw with Colorado Rapids | Goal.com English Bahrain

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury Saturday, scoring his fourth goal of the season as Inter Miami drew the Colorado Rapids.