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First goal since father's death: Messi rescues draw for Miami in Philadelphia

Ten days after the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel scored his first competitive goal on Wednesday night in Philadelphia, allowing Inter Miami to secure a draw (2-2) in MLS matchday 17.

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First goal since father's death: Messi rescues draw for Miami in Philadelphia
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Ten days after the death of his father Jorge, Lionel Messi scored his first competitive goal Wednesday night in Philadelphia, allowing Inter Miami to rescue a draw (2-2) in MLS matchday 17.

The moment carried all the emotional weight of the circumstances. Served on the right side of the box on a slightly overhit pass, Messi responded in his own way: quick touches to open up the angle, then a left-footed strike the goalkeeper could not stop. Pure Messi, in the most difficult circumstances.

The death of Jorge Messi had deeply shaken the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. In a tribute text published in honor of his father — at once confidant, agent and first supporter — he had written: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to move forward. Football has always been my whole life, and today I’m seriously wondering if I’ll continue much longer.” Yet Messi chose to return to competition quickly, as if the pitch remained the best possible tribute.

On the scoresheet, the Argentine now has 13 goals and 7 assists in 17 MLS matches this season. The Philadelphia result ends a run of three consecutive defeats for Miami, who remain second in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville.

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