MIAMI, FL — Lionel Messi made his return to competitive football following his post-World Cup break, coming off the bench in the second half as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium.
Key Match Details & Goals
16′ (1-0): Luis Suárez opened the scoring for Inter Miami with a spectacular long-range strike, taking his tally to 10 goals in the MLS season.
34′ (1-1): Columbus Crew equalized when Casemiro inadvertently turned a cross from Hugo Picard into his own net.
45+5′ (2-1): Miami restored their lead right before half-time through defender Noah Allen, who headed home from a Suárez assist following a VAR review.
84′ (2-2): Columbus debutant Brais Méndez curled in a brilliant late free-kick to secure a point for the visitors.
Lionel Messi’s Performance Breakdown
Minutes Played: Came on in the 52nd minute replacing Daniel Pinter.
Impact & Chances: Messi immediately injected creativity into Miami’s attack, attempting 4 shots in total.
Near Misses: He came close twice in stoppage time — first with a dangerous header saved by Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte in the 92nd minute, followed by a tight-angle shot that whistled just wide in the 93rd minute.
Statline: 38 minutes played | 0 goals | 0 assists | 4 total shots | 1 shot on target.
The draw snapped Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak, keeping them second in the Eastern Conference standings with 38 points from 18 matches.
