Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Atletico Nacional on Saturday in a friendly in Medellin. The match, held at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, marked the return of Lionel Messi to the “City of Eternal Spring” for the first time in 12 years, drawing a massive crowd to witness the MLS champions take on Colombia’s Rey de Copas.
Messi’s Inter Miami beat Nacional at the death
The home side dominated much of the first half, imposing their rhythm through the verticality of Argentine full back Milton Casco. The pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Juan Jose Rengifo unleashed a powerful long-range strike from outside the box that was impossible for the Inter Miami goalkeeper to stop.
Before the opening goal, Messi had nearly put the visitors ahead with a 23rd-minute free kick, and he later tested veteran goalkeeper David Ospina in a 35th-minute 1v1 that the Colombian Goal Keeper tipped away for a corner.
Heavy rain greeted the players for the second half, which began with a tactical overhaul by the home team. Atlético Nacional substituted nine of its 11 players, including stars David Ospina and William Tesillo.
Inter Miami found the equalizer in the 54th minute following a defensive blunder by Nacional’s substitute goalkeeper, Harlem “Chichipi” Castillo. Messi intercepted the ball in the area and took a shot that struck the woodwork, allowing Luis Suarez to simply tap in the rebound.
Inter Miami consigue su primer triunfo del año ante Atlético Nacional en su gira por Sudamérica.🦩⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Z3zJPPDiBq
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) February 1, 2026
The match remained balanced as both teams exchanged chances, though Nacional nearly reclaimed the lead in the 66th minute when Eduar Bello found the back of the net. The celebration was short-lived as the linesman disallowed the goal for offside. Messi, who was instrumental in the play that led to Miami’s first goal, left the pitch in the 75th minute to a standing ovation from the Medellín crowd and was replaced by Santiago Morales.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute during a divided play in the Nacional box. A shot from Inter Miami took a sharp deflection off Nacional defender Elkin Rivero and into his own net, sealing the comeback for the MLS side. The victory serves as a rebound for the visitors after a recent 3-0 friendly loss to Alianza Lima, while Atletico Nacional shifts its focus back to the Liga BetPlay following their recent 4-0 debut win against Boyaca Chico.