Inter Miami settle for chaotic Atlanta United draw as Lionel Messi struggles to get involved in second half cameo

Inter Miami got off to a bright start, but couldn't hold on as they drew 2-2 against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Herons grabbed the lead much against the run of play, David Ruiz finding the bottom corner after receiving the ball unmarked in the box in the 29th minute. Miami entered halftime with a 1-0 lead but Atlanta would respond.

Saba Lobzhanidze equalized for the home side shortly before the hour mark, his deflected header squirming through the legs of Drake Callender in the 56th minute. Yet, Miami appeared to be in winning position as Leo Campana put Miami back ahead within two minutes of Lobzhanidze's goal, with Campana's free kick flying into the net via the legs of Dax McCarthy. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez would then come off the bench looking to pad the visitors lead.

However, Atlanta would respond again, though. United's new star DP Aleksey Miranchuk curled in an effort into the top corner - his first MLS goal since joining the team this summer. It was no more than they deserved on the night.

How about a different inverted attacking midfielder impressing on Wednesday? Messi may have had his moments, but this night belonged to Miranchuk. The former Atalanta forward, known for his love of Hip-Hop, provided all sorts of rhythm for his side's midfield on Wednesday night.

He created three chances, played eight passes into the final third, and scored an absolute peach of a goal to grab a well-deserved point for his team. A fine performance from the big-money man.

What a miserable evening for Dax McCarthy. The veteran midfielder seemed to be at the center of everything that went wrong for the home side against Miami. First, he inadvertently diverted the ball into the path of Ruiz for the visitors' first. Then, he gave up the free kick that led to the second. It seemed to be a benevolent act when he was hooked after an hour.

Miami's focus remains steadily on their Supporter's Shield hunt. The Herons play NYCFC on Saturday, in what will be Messi's first appearance in an MLS match in New York City. The club now needs just nine points to tie up the best record in the league, and prime themselves for a playoff run.