Lionel Messi scores on his long-awaited return from hamstring injury after coming off the bench in Inter Miami’s clash against Colorado Rapids – after star was named among subs with Luis Suarez Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba

Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return for Inter Miami during the Heron’s clash against the Colorado Rapids. 

The Argentine had been named to Inter Miami’s bench for their game Saturday night following a nearly month-long injury absence. 

But fans didn’t have to wait too long to see the icon grace the pitch once again as he was substituted on for Lawson Sunderland at the beginning of the second half.  

Messi hadn’t played since he suffered a hamstring injury on March 13 vs. Nashville SC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match. 

He missed three league games while he was sidelined and also sat out the team’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg loss vs. Monterrey on Wednesday.

Messi and Luis Suarez looked to be in good spirits as they prepared for Miami’s game

Messi made his first appearance for the Herons since March 13 against Nashville

Messi was joined on the bench by Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba

Messi’s longtime Barca teammates and friends Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were also named on the bench ahead of the Colorado game.

Winger Robert Taylor has been ruled out altogether with a hamstring injury.

Suarez in particular has seen his minutes managed by Miami coach Tata Martino, as he’s now started on the bench in three of the team’s eight league games, and has played 90 minutes just twice.

Messi and Suarez were pictured smiling as they approached Miami’s Chase Stadium on Saturday night. 

Including the 2-1 loss to Monterrey earlier this week, the Herons have failed to win their last three matches in all competitions.

However, Miami enters its matchup vs. Colorado in second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Herons have 11 points (three wins, two draws and two losses) in seven games.