Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return to the pitch for Inter Miami during a Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Columbus Crew, coming off the bench in the second half. This marked his first appearance since the FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina faced Spain, two weeks prior.

Match Highlights

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, halting Miami's six-match winning streak. The game experienced a 40-minute delay due to poor weather conditions in Miami. Once underway, Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Miami in the 16th minute, netting his seventh goal in four games. However, an own goal from Casemiro in the 34th minute leveled the score for Columbus. Suarez later assisted Noah Allen, who headed Miami back into the lead at 2-1 by halftime. In a dramatic finish, Brais Mendez, making his debut for Columbus after transferring from Real Sociedad, equalized with a free kick in the 84th minute.

Impact of Messi's Return

Despite several scoring opportunities in the closing moments of the match, Messi was unable to find the back of the net. The draw leaves Inter Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville, who also played to a 2-2 draw against DC United.

Messi's return is a significant moment for both the player and the club as they look to build on their recent successes. The match showcased the resilience of Miami, but the team will be eager to return to winning ways in their upcoming fixtures.