Lionel Messi returns as Inter Miami held by Columbus Crew in MLS thriller

Lionel Messi made his return to competitive action for Inter Miami after the World Cup, coming off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

The 39-year-old Argentina forward was introduced in the 53rd minute and played until the final whistle, but could not help Inter Miami secure a victory that would have moved them closer to Eastern Conference leaders Nashville.

Luis Suarez put Inter Miami ahead in spectacular fashion in the 16th minute, scoring from the middle of the field to produce one of the match’s standout moments.

The former Barcelona striker was involved again for the visitors’ second goal, creating the opportunity in the 50th minute for Noah Allen to score. The goal was described as coming before half-time, despite being recorded in the 50th minute.

Columbus Crew responded as Casemiro scored an own goal on his second appearance for Inter Miami, reducing the deficit after accidentally putting the ball into his own net.

The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, two behind leaders Nashville. Columbus Crew remain 11th on 20 points.

The top seven teams in the table qualify directly for the last 16, while the teams finishing eighth and ninth will enter a play-off for a place in the knockout stage.

Inter Miami’s next match is against Nashville on 16 August. Messi will be hoping to build on his first appearance since the World Cup as the Florida club continue their challenge near the top of the Eastern Conference.

Despite missing the start of the match, Messi remains among the leading scorers in Major League Soccer. He is fourth in the scoring standings with 12 goals, one behind the player currently at the top of the list.

The draw extended Inter Miami’s unbeaten position near the summit but allowed Nashville to maintain its two-point advantage. With the regular-season standings determining direct qualification and play-off places, each remaining result will carry significance for both clubs.

For Columbus Crew, the point did little to alter their position. They are currently 11th with 20 points and remain outside the places that provide either direct passage to the last 16 or access to the qualifying play-off.

The match also marked Casemiro’s second appearance for Inter Miami, although his own goal proved costly in a game in which Suarez’s individual quality and Messi’s return were the main talking points.