Fort Lauderdale: Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Wednesday.
Playing at Subaru Park, Messi found the net in the 26th minute after skillfully moving past opposing defenders before finishing to put Inter Miami 2-1 ahead.
His teammates immediately surrounded him and embraced him in celebration, adding an emotional moment to the match.
The 39-year-old Argentine also provided an assist for Inter Miami’s opening goal, making a significant contribution to his side’s performance.
Jorge Messi, the football star’s father, died on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68. Following his father’s death, Messi shared an emotional message saying he was struggling to understand how life would continue without him.
The draw against Philadelphia Union ended Inter Miami’s run of three consecutive defeats.
Messi’s goal was his 13th of the MLS season, leaving him one goal behind Peter Musa in the race for the league’s Golden Boot.
The result gave Inter Miami a much-needed lift, while Messi’s return to the scoresheet came during a deeply emotional period for the Argentine star.
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