Lionel Messi returned to competitive club action for Inter Miami, just five days after announcing his retirement from international football. In a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United, Messi immediately made an impact by assisting Casemiro's opening goal from a corner kick. This return marked a significant moment for the 39-year-old, who is now entering a different stage of his career, free from the immense expectations of his national team. His international farewell came after a deeply emotional period, which included the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. His presence and influence on the pitch were the main takeaways from the match.