Lionel Messi marked his return to the scoresheet with an emotional goal for Inter Miami on Wednesday night, scoring in a 2–2 draw against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.
The goal was particularly significant for the Argentine superstar because it came just days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68.
It was Messi’s first goal since his father’s death and his 13th MLS goal of the 2026 season. The strike also moved him to within one goal of Dallas striker Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race.
Messi found the net in the 26th minute at Subaru Park, producing a composed left-footed finish after evading a defender.
The goal gave Inter Miami a 2–1 advantage after the Florida club had already taken the lead earlier in the match.
Messi was also involved in Miami’s opening goal, providing the assist as the Herons looked to recover from a difficult run of results.
The 2–2 draw ended Inter Miami’s three-game losing streak, giving the club a much-needed result after a difficult period.
For Messi personally, however, the match carried a much deeper emotional significance.
The 39-year-old had been away from football following his father’s death and had returned to action only recently.
His first appearance after the bereavement came as a substitute against Club León in the Leagues Cup on August 12. Inter Miami eventually lost that match 3–2, with Messi entering at half-time to a loud reception from supporters.
He subsequently started against Nashville SC on August 15, although Inter Miami suffered another heavy defeat, losing 4–1.
Before Wednesday’s match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi appeared to be coping with his grief and described the Argentine as being “at peace” while returning to the pitch.
Messi had also paid tribute to his father publicly following his death, describing Jorge as his father, friend and representative.
Jorge Messi played a major role in his son’s football career and was closely involved in managing the superstar’s professional affairs.
The emotional circumstances surrounding Messi’s return have attracted significant attention from across the football world, particularly because of the close relationship between the player and his father.
Despite the personal difficulties, Messi has continued to make himself available for Inter Miami.
His commitment has also been praised by teammates.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro previously described Messi’s commitment to Inter Miami during the difficult period as an extraordinary example for his teammates.
Wednesday’s performance provided another indication that Messi is gradually returning to his normal rhythm on the pitch.
The goal also keeps him firmly involved in the MLS Golden Boot race.
According to Reuters, Messi’s 13th league goal of the season leaves him just one behind Dallas striker Petar Musa in the scoring standings.
For Inter Miami, the draw brought an end to a worrying run of three consecutive defeats.
The club will now hope that Messi’s return to scoring form can help stabilise its season as the MLS campaign enters another important stage.
The result was also significant because Philadelphia Union remain among the leading teams in the competition, making the point valuable for Miami.
For Messi, however, the biggest story was not the league table or the Golden Boot.
It was the return of a player who has been navigating one of the most difficult personal moments of his career — and scoring again just days after losing his father.