Lionel Messi stepped back into competitive football as Inter Miami shared a 2-2 result with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. The Argentine entered as a substitute after sitting out his team’s last fixtures following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Messi had been absent since leading his nation in the 1-0 defeat on 19 July, having ended that tournament with eight goals and four assists. He arrived on the pitch in the 53rd minute to loud applause from the home crowd, with his team ahead 2-1.
Messi returns for Inter Miami
Shortly after coming on, Messi crafted his first chance but hit the side netting from a narrow angle with his left foot.
The forward then went close again after taking a pass from Luis Suarez on his chest, only to push his shot just beyond the post.
Messi kept searching for a match-winning moment and, during stoppage time, missed two late opportunities by heading off target and then sending another attempt over the bar.
Casemiro’s own goal lifts Columbus Crew
Inter Miami had taken the lead through Luis Suarez, whose bold long-range chip gave him his seventh goal in four games.
Columbus Crew leveled when Brazil midfielder Casemiro, who moved to Inter Miami in July after departing Manchester United, accidentally knocked the ball into his own net while attempting to block a delivery.
Noah Allen restored Inter Miami’s advantage with a header, but Columbus struck again in the closing stages.
Columbus Crew snatch late point against Inter Miami
Brais Mendez netted an 84th-minute free-kick on his debut to earn Columbus Crew a share of the points.
Despite Messi’s late efforts to find a winner, neither side could break the tie again as the MLS contest ended 2-2.