Messi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 against Columbus Crew
Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami following the World Cup, but the team drew 2-2 against the Columbus Crew. The result ended Miami's six-match winning streak while other MLS teams also saw competitive results.
Why it matters
Messi's performance and health remain central to the commercial and competitive success of Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action after World Cup duty on Saturday (August 1, 2026), coming on in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew.
Two weeks after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final , Messi was back on the pitch, entering in the 53rd minute to the delight of fans at Miami's Nu Stadium.
But Messi could not mark his return with a goal, twice shooting wide.
Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal in his last four games to put Miami 1-0 up in the 16th minute.
Miami's former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the 34th minute, which drew Columbus level at 1-1.
Suarez provided the assist for Noah Allen to head Miami into a 2-1 half-time lead
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