Lionel Messi scores goal in return, but Inter Miami turns sights on Monterrey after draw

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi emphatically made his return, scoring a goal within his first 13 minutes of action – reminding fans and Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup opponent next week of his greatness.

Messi scored in the 58th minute, tying the match against Colorado at 1 with his legendary left boot, as the ball hit the left goal post and ricocheted horizontally along the goal line inside the net.

Messi appeared fit and in shape in his first game back from a right hamstring injury that has sidelined him since March 13. He was aggressive with five shots, including two on target after entering the game as the second half began.

Although Inter Miami rookie Leo Alfonso scored two minutes after Messi, Inter Miami surrendered a goal to Cole Bassett in the 88^th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium.

“The most important thing is that he felt comfortable. He felt good and that’s why it’s a shame to [surrender] two points,” coach Tata Martino said of Messi and the tie.

Inter Miami remains in second place with the Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls in the MLS Eastern Conference, instead of retaking the lead from FC Cincinnati with three points and a victory.

Inter Miami shifts focus to Monterrey in heated Champions Cup matchup

Messi’s return against Colorado wasn’t a coincidence. It was the perfect opportunity to gauge his health for Wednesday’s match at Monterrey in the Champions Cup quarterfinal.

His return seemed especially significant following the stir he and other Inter Miami members reportedly caused with their locker room confrontation of Monterrey members after their 2-1 loss last week.  

Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sánchez said Messi “had the face of the devil” and “wanted to fight me” in an audio clip he says was shared with close friends before it was leaked publicly Friday, leading to a video apology. 

Martino deflected when asked about the situation after the game.

“We are going to play a game, and if we win it, we will continue. And if we lose it, we will go home and think about the league,” Martino said. “Everything else with the soap opera, it’s not our idea.”

How did Messi look in his return vs Colorado?

Messi walked onto the pitch, and kneeled down to tie his cleats as the second half began. He was introduced to the crowd, receiving a loud ovation. And he had to work quickly after Colorado's Rafael Navarro scored a penalty kick just before halftime in the 45th minute.

After his goal, Messi did not hesitate to tee off on any shot that was within reach. But he was unable to captivate with another highlight play against Colorado.

Messi didn’t appear rusty on his goal scored, or his orchestration of Inter Miami’s second goal. But his free kick in the 74^th minute was a bit high and over the net.

Messi also had a Barcelona connection, which was a beauty: Jordi Alba to Messi to Busquets to Messi, who lined up a shot on the goal, but Colorado goalie Zack Steffen secured the save.

Messi also missed a shot with his flying left leg on the left side of the net, and a quick shot after Alba dropped a pass for him in the penalty area.

It appeared the game had ended before the final minute of extra time concluded, with two young fans running onto the field to get close to Messi. Both fans were escorted off the pitch by security.

Martino said Messi and Inter Miami knew there was potential risk to play him in the first match against Monterrey, but they are more confident about his hamstring following the Colorado match.

“The most important thing is that he returned, that he felt good, scored a goal, participated in the second half,” Martino said of Messi. “That’s the highlight.”

Cole Bassett goal: Inter Miami 2, Colorado 2

Messi’s return was eventful, but was spoiled by Colorado in the final minutes.

Inter Miami surrendered a goal to Colorado’s Cole Bassett in the 88^th minute, and it was tied at 2.

Inter Miami’s defense has been shaky this season, Bassett’s score adding further evidence.

Messi misses kick in 77’: Inter Miami 2, Colorado 1

Messi is teeing off, making the most of his limited minutes against Colorado.

This Barcelona connection was a beauty: Jordi Alba to Messi to Busquets to Messi, who lined up a shot on the goal, but Colorado goalie Zack Steffen secured the save.

Messi also missed a shot with his flying left leg on the left side of the net on the next sequence.

A few minutes later, Messi missed a quick shot Alba dropped off for him in the penalty area.

Messi free kick misses in 74’: Inter Miami 2, Colorado 1

Messi missed a moment to deliver another highlight play, missing a free kick opportunity in the 74^th minute.

Messi didn’t appear rusty on his goal scored, or his orchestration of Inter Miami’s second goal. But Messi’s kick was a bit high and over the net.

Leo Alfonso scores goal: Inter Miami 2, Colorado 1

Well, that was quick.

Inter Miami rookie Leo Alfonso scored a goal within minutes after Messi’s goal, leading to a 2-1 lead against Colorado in the 60^th minute.

Alfonso took the pass from David Ruiz, who was set up by Messi in the open field. Messi made the right move, and Inter Miami is in the lead.

Messi scores goal: Inter Miami 1, Colorado 1

It only took 12 minutes: Lionel Messi has emphatically returned with a beauty of a left boot into the back of the net.

Messi’s left strike hit the left goal post and ricocheted horizontally along the goal line inside the net, tying this match at 1 in the 58th minute.

Messi ran to the left corner, and began celebrating with his Inter Miami teammates.

Messi enters in second half: Colorado 1, Inter Miami 0

Messi walked onto the pitch, tied up his cleats, and will enter the match to begin the second half.

He's back.

Messi's former Barcelona co-stars Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could also enter the match in the second half.

Messi has played in five games with five goals and two assists, but has also missed five games across all competitions this season.

Rafael Navarro goal: Colorado 1, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami nearly headed into halftime with a draw, but a penalty in the final minute of the first half has set the stage for Messi’s return.  

Colorado’s Rafael Navarro scored on the penalty kick in the 45^th minute past Inter Miami goalie Drake Callender to take a 1-0 lead. The penalty was conceded by Inter Miami defender Ryan Sailor, who fouled Colorado’s Kévin Cabral.

When Messi enters, he’ll have a chance to save Inter Miami’s night.

Leo Campana leaves match early with injury: Inter Miami 0, Colorado 0

Inter Miami's Diego Gomez entered as a substitute after forward Leo Campana left with an apparent injury. Campana walked off the pitch on his own power.

Messi heads to goal line to warmup in 35’: Inter Miami 0, Colorado 0

Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel squared up for a shot and missed, leading to a loud cheer inside Chase Stadium. The fans weren’t cheering for the miss.

Messi and Diego Gomez have taken their spots on the goal line out of bounds, to begin some stretching exercises as play continues.

It doesn’t seem logical for Messi to come in just minutes before halftime. But he’s getting his body loose for his eventual entrance.

• WATCH: Messi and Inter Miami host Colorado on Apple TV
• TICKETS: Experience Inter Miami in person at home vs. the Colorado Rapids
• SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store

Messi meets Daddy Yankee before Inter Miami vs. Colorado game

Messi took a brief moment to greet Puerto Rican and Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee before the match.

Messi starts on the bench: How much will he play vs. Colorado? 

Here's the starting lineups for both teams:

Inter Miami vs. Colorado betting odds 

Inter Miami is the favorite (-120), while a tie (+275) or Colorado win (+290) would result in a bigger payout, via BETMGM. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals. 

Inter Miami vs. Colorado prediction 

Inter Miami 3, Colorado 0: Messi’s return will spark Inter Miami, even if he is limited. Messi scores once and assists another, Luis Suárez scores off the bench, and Julian Gressel gets his first goal of the year in an easy win. — Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter

Here’s the latest on Inter Miami vs. Monterrey fallout 

Inter Miami’s second match Wednesday against Monterrey in the Champions Cup quarterfinal could be one of the most highly anticipated matches in the Messi era. 

Messi “had the face of the devil” and “wanted to fight me,” Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sánchez said in an audio clip he says was shared with close friends before it was leaked publicly Friday, leading to a video apology. The audio stems from a confrontation in the locker room area after Monterrey beat Inter Miami 2-1 without Messi last Wednesday in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup. 

Read more about the Inter Miami and Monterrey confrontation here.

Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule 

∎Wednesday: Inter Miami at Monterrey in Champions Cup, 10:30 p.m. ET

∎April 13: Inter Miami at Sporting Kansas City at Aarowhead Stadium, 8:30 p.m. ET 

∎April 20: Inter Miami vs. Nashville, 7:30 p.m. ET 

∎April 27: Inter Miami at New England, 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 4: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET