With Messi on the bench after World Cup return, Inter Miami draws with Suárez goal and Casemiro own goal

Inter Miami secured a 1-1 draw against Columbus Crew in a Major League Soccer match, with goals from Luis Suárez and an own goal by teammate Casemiro. The game, delayed by 40 minutes due to a thunderstorm, saw Lionel Messi begin on the bench. Messi rejoined Inter Miami's training sessions last Wednesday after a brief holiday following his return from the World Cup. During his absence, the team won two MLS matches. He had previously maintained a high level of performance for Inter Miami in the first half of the season, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 14 games. His physical condition was also satisfactory, completing 90 minutes in eleven matches and only being substituted late in the last game due to a minor muscular issue that did not affect his World Cup readiness. The match also featured the debut of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who recently joined Inter Miami after a 13-year career in Europe. Casemiro expressed his excitement about playing alongside Messi, calling it a 'dream' and stating his desire to help the team win. Inter Miami will pause its MLS participation after this weekend to compete in the Leagues Cup.