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

Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return for Inter Miami in the Herons’ clash against the Colorado Rapids.

The Argentinian was named on the Inter Miami bench for Saturday night’s match after an absence of almost a month due to injury.

But fans didn’t have to wait too long to see the icon grace the pitch again as he was replaced by Lawson Sunderland early in the second half.

Messi had not played since injuring his hamstring March 13 against Nashville SC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.

He missed three league matches while on the sidelines and also missed the team’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final first leg loss to Monterrey on Wednesday.

Messi and Luis Suarez seemed in good spirits as they prepared for the Miami match

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 long-time 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 completely with a hamstring injury.

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

Messi and Suarez were pictured smiling as they approached Chase Stadium in Miami on Saturday evening.

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

However, Miami enters its game against Colorado in second place in the Eastern Conference.

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