Inter Miami star beats Lionel Messi to impressive club record previously held by Gonzalo Higuain during draw with Atlanta United
Inter Miami striker Leonardo Campana beat Lionel Messi to the club's all time goal-scoring record, eclipsing Gonzalo Higuain, during their MLS clash against Atlanta United. The Ecuadorian striker scored in the 59th minute as the Herons played out a 2-2 draw away from home on Wednesday.
With their place in the post-season playoffs already secured, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino opted to ring the changes for the match in Atlanta. Campana was handed a start as former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez was rested.
The 24-year-old, who had five MLS goals to his name this season heading into the game, justified his inclusion by scoring in the 59th minute at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With his 30th goal for Inter Miami, he overtook retired Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain as the club's record goalscorer. Former Real Madrid and Napoli ace Higuain scored 29 times in 70 games in his brief stint with the MLS side between 2020 and 2022.
Campana joined Inter Miami in January 2022 on loan from Premier League side Wolves, before signing with the side permanently a year later. The striker has played 94 times for the club, averaging a goal nearly once every three games during his time in Florida.
Lionel Messi is not far behind in the race for Inter Miami history, with 27 goals to his name in only 31 appearances during his injury-hit spell in Miami. The Barcelona all-time top scorer featured as a substitute against Atlanta United, and could soon overtake the Ecuadorian striker.
Lionel Messi features as Inter Miami drop points in Atlanta
Lionel Messi made his second appearance since his return from injury as his team were held to a 2-2 draw by Atlanta United. The mercurial forward could not influence proceedings as his side edged closer to a first-ever Supporters Shield trophy despite dropping points.
The superstar trio of Messi, Suarez and Jordi Alba all started from the bench, while Sergio Busquets was not in the squad for the game. With the score at 2-1, Lionel Messi made an appearance off the bench, replacing Julian Gressel in the 60th minute.
The Argentine great could do nothing to prevent his team from conceding a late equaliser to Alexey Miranchuk in the 84th minute. He logged another 30 minutes for his side, adding to the 90 he played in the win over Philadelphia Union. He will continue to build his fitness when the Herons New York City FC on Saturday.