sport news Inter Miami 2-2 Colorado Rapids: Lionel Messi dazzles on his return from injury ... trends now

Lionel Messi had not even left his seat when the Inter Miami fans behind their team's substitutes bench started to go wild.

All it took was for his burly bodyguard to start patrolling the sideline for thousands of Inter Miami fans to know what was about to happen. That's how obsessed this fanbase has become with their hero.

Seconds later, there he was. Messi - who hadn't played since March 13 because of an injury - was waving to the crowd like a King greeting his people.

Messi stood and watched as the Colorado Rapids took the lead while he warmed up. Rafael Navarro fired home from the penalty spot and then fired a figurative gun in the direction of the World Cup winner while celebrating.

The Brazilian soon looked foolish, though. Messi was brought on by Tata Martino at half time and 15 minutes later Inter Miami led 2-1. The Argentine scored the equalizer - a sublime first-time finish - and had a helping hand in the second. He's back.

But while Messi can transform things at one end of the pitch, he cannot provide a solution for Miami's deficiencies in defense.

In the 87th minute the Rapids delivered a sucker punch on the break that silenced the home fans. Cole Bassett's fine finish into the far corner stole a point just when Messi thought he had won all three.

There are greater challenges on the horizon for Inter Miami, namely the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final tie against Monterrey in midweek.

This draw keeps them ticking over nicely in MLS, where they now have four wins and two draws from eight games.

Martino was also able to rest Luis Suarez and brought both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the second half. Resting those weary legs is a

read more from dailymail.....