Messi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 against Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi made his return to Major League Soccer on Saturday, August 1, appearing as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew at Miami's Nu Stadium. Fans welcomed the star back two weeks after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. However, Messi could not find the back of the net during his appearance, firing wide on two occasions.

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Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action after World Cup duty on Saturday, coming on in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami took an early lead in the 16th minute with Luis Suarez scoring his seventh goal in his last four games. Columbus Crew equalized in the 34th minute through an own goal by Miami's former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro. Suarez then provided an assist for Noah Allen to head Miami into a 2-1 lead just before halftime.

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But Messi could not mark his return with a goal, twice shooting wide.

The match took a turn in the 84th minute when Columbus debutant Brais Mendez, who arrived from Real Sociedad, curled in a free-kick to secure a second equalizer for his team. This result halted Inter Miami's impressive six-match winning streak. The draw leaves Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville, who also drew their match 2-2.

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Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal in his last four games to put Miami 1-0 up in the 16th minute.

In other MLS action, Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps drew 1-1 at Vancouver's BC Place, leaving them level at the top of the Western Conference. Son Heung-min continued his scoring run since the MLS resumed after the World Cup, netting his fourth goal in four matches to put Los Angeles ahead in the 37th minute. Vancouver's Thomas Mueller converted a penalty in the 76th minute to level the score. Son, who faced criticism for South Korea's World Cup performance, also earned MVP honors in the MLS All-Star Game earlier that week.

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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.