Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Rapids

MIAMI: Lionel Messi scored one goal and helped set up another in his return from injury as Inter Miami tied 2-2 with the visiting Colorado Rapids on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Leonardo Afonso netted the go-ahead goal for Miami (3-2-3, 12 points) and it looked like a come-from-behind win was in the offing, but the Rapids drew level on Cole Bassett’s strike in the 88th minute.

Messi came off the bench and played the entire second half for his first MLS action since March 2. He hadn’t played since straining a hamstring March 13 in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match. Messi now has four goals in four regular-season appearances in 2024.

Rafael Navarro scored a penalty-kick goal to give Colorado (2-2-3, 9 points) the lead in the 45th minute.Colorado keeper Zack Steffen did all he could against the Miami attack, making five saves. Drake Callendar saved two shots for Miami.