Sports
Messi makes MLS comeback in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus crew
Lionel Messi made his return to Major League Soccer on Saturday, coming off the bench as Inter Miami settled for a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew.
The Argentine captain was back in action just two weeks after helping Argentina finish as runners-up to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He entered the match in the 53rd minute at Miami’s Nu Stadium, receiving a warm ovation from the home supporters.
Messi looked lively after his introduction and came close to marking his return with a goal. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to find the target, sending two efforts wide as Miami shared the points with Columbus Crew.
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
But midfielder Brais Mendez, making his Columbus debut after arriving from Real Sociedad in Spain, curled in a second equalizer from an 84th-minute free-kick.
The result ended Miami’s six-match winning streak and kept them in second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville, who drew 2-2 at DC United.
Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps remain level at the top of the Western Conference after they drew 1-1 at Vancouver’s BC Place.
Son Heung-min extended his scoring streak since the MLS resumed after the World Cup to four goals in four matches as he put Los Angeles ahead in the 37th minute.
But Vancouver’s German star Thomas Mueller converted a 76th-minute penalty.

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