Another big Atlanta crowd finally got a chance to see Lionel Messi in an MLS match.
They nearly watched United pull out a much-needed win over league-leading Inter Miami.
Alexey Miranchuk scored with a booming shot in the 84th minute and the home team pressed hard for the winning goal in stoppage time, only to settle for a 2-2 tie with Messi’s Miami club before an announced crowd of 67,795 on Wednesday night.
After making a triumphant return to the Miami lineup with two goals and an assist last weekend, Messi started this game on the bench. Coach Gerardo Martino wanted to manage the minutes of his 37-year-old Argentine star, who is coming back from national team duties and an ankle injury with the club in the midst of a busy stretch.
Messi trotted on the field in the 61st to a big roar, shortly after Leo Campana had scored off a deflected free kick to put the Herons in front. But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner couldn’t find the net in his limited time on the field, drawing plenty of attention from the United defenders.
“You’ve gotta keep an eye on him,” Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan said with a wry smile.