Inter Miami are now occupying the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after their 1-0 victory against Toronto FC on Friday.
In front of their home fans, it was almost Toronto who took the lead in the 38th minute when Federico Bernadeschi's shot from outside the box took a heavy deflection, but Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was able to adjust and make the save.
Toronto created more chances in the first half, but only had 38 per cent of the possession, and Miami's control of the ball began to pay dividends after the break.
Miami held Toronto without a shot on target in the second 45, and with time running down, they were able to find the decisive breakthrough.
A move from the right wing found its way to Robert Taylor on the edge of the box, and his slick little flick found its way through a maze of legs and into the path of Higuain, who made no mistake from right on the penalty spot.
The win means Miami will spend the night in the playoff positions, although the eighth-placed Columbus Crew have a superior goal difference and a game in-hand.
Lionel Messi scores on Inter Miami return against Colorado Rapids
Lionel Messi scored on his return for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids.
Messi has been out of action since he was subbed off during the Champions Cup match against Nashville on March 13, missing four Inter Miami games and two with Argentina during his period on the sidelines.
He returned to the field on Saturday night from the bench, scoring and equalising in the 58th minute after Colorado forward Rafael Navarro netted a penalty just before half-time.
His fourth goal in the MLS this season, Messi beat Rapids keeper Zack Steffen to the ball and took a low shot that struck the post before skittering across the goal, eventually crossing the line.
Just minutes later Messi was involved again, passing to David Ruiz, who sent it towards forward Leo Afonso for his first goal at the club, giving Inter Miami the lead.
Colorado’s Cole Bassett hit back to level the game in the 88th minute for the Rapids, driving the ball into the bottom right corner with his left foot.
Lionel Messi scores in Inter Miami return against Colorado Rapids
Lionel Messi has scored in his return for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids.
Messi has been out of action since he was subbed off during the Champions Cup match against Nashville on March 13, missing four Inter Miami games and two with Argentina during his period on the sidelines.
He returned to the field on Saturday night from the bench, scoring and equalising in the 58th minute after Colorado forward Rafael Navarro scored via penalty just before halftime.
In his fourth goal in the MLS this season, Messi beat Rapids keeper Zach Steffen to the ball and took a low shot that struck the post before skittering across the goal, eventually crossing the line.
Just minutes later Messi was involved again, passing to David Ruiz, who sent it towards forward Leo Alfonso for his first goal at the club, giving Inter Miami the lead.
Colorado’s Cole Bassett hit back late to tie the game in the 88th minute for the Rapids, driving the ball to the bottom right corner off his left foot.
Lionel Messi strikes late to earn point for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi grabbed his first goal of the Major League Soccer season as he grabbed a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami with a stoppage-time equaliser at LA Galaxy.
Dejan Joveljic’s goal 15 minutes from time had looked like earning Galaxy the win.
But Messi popped up two minutes into added time, exchanging a pair of one-twos with Jordi Alba as he made his way into the box before lifting the ball over goalkeeper John McCarthy.
Inter dominated possession, but managed just five shots in target throughout the match as Galaxy came closest to breaking the deadlock.
Riqui Puig missed a golden opportunity after 13 minutes when his penalty was saved by Drake Callender.
They had to wait until late in the second half for Joveljic to tap in Mark Delgado’s cross after Puig’s shot had run loose.
Galaxy finished the game with 10 men as Marco Delgado picked up a second yellow card after 88 minutes.
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