The Messi MLS return ended without a victory as Inter Miami surrendered two leads in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew on Saturday.
According to AFP, Lionel Messi entered the match in the 53rd minute, 13 days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Supporters at Nu Stadium welcomed the Argentine captain enthusiastically as he returned to club football. However, he could not secure the winning goal despite receiving several opportunities during the closing stages.
Messi twice sent attempts wide as Columbus resisted Miami’s late pressure and left Florida with a point.
Luis Suárez had earlier continued his impressive scoring run by giving the hosts the lead in the 16th minute.
The Uruguayan spotted the goalkeeper away from his line and produced a long-range finish for his 10th MLS goal of the season. It was also his seventh goal across his last four matches.
Casemiro own goal brings Columbus level
Columbus equalised in the 34th minute after Casemiro accidentally directed the ball into his own net.
The Brazilian midfielder, who previously represented Manchester United and Real Madrid, could not prevent the ball from crossing the line while attempting to defend a Columbus attack.
Miami regained the advantage before half-time through academy graduate Noah Allen.
Suárez received the ball on the right side of the penalty area and delivered a precise cross towards Allen. The defender headed home to give Miami a 2-1 lead going into the break.
The assist increased Suárez’s MLS tally to six for the season and completed an influential first-half display from the striker.
Messi MLS return fails to secure victory
Messi replaced Daniel Pinter eight minutes into the second half as Miami attempted to strengthen its control of the match.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner immediately became involved in the hosts’ attacking play but struggled to find the accuracy needed to mark his return with a goal.
Miami appeared set to extend its winning run until Brais Méndez rescued Columbus in the 84th minute.
The Spanish midfielder, making his MLS debut after joining from Real Sociedad, curled a free-kick beyond the Miami defence to make it 2-2.
Messi continued searching for a winner, but Columbus protected the result until the final whistle.
The draw ended Miami’s run of six consecutive league victories. However, it extended the club’s unbeaten streak to seven matches.
Inter Miami remained second in the Eastern Conference at the time of the result, behind Nashville, who also drew 2-2 away to DC United.
Son scores in LAFC-Vancouver draw
Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps also shared the points following a 1-1 draw at BC Place.
Son Heung-min opened the scoring for LAFC in the 37th minute, extending his scoring run since the MLS resumed after the World Cup.
The former Tottenham forward has now scored four goals in four matches since returning to club football.
Son had faced criticism following South Korea’s failure to progress beyond the World Cup group stage. However, he responded with impressive performances after returning to the United States.
He also received the Most Valuable Player award during the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday.
Vancouver found an equaliser in the 76th minute after officials awarded the hosts a penalty.
Former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller converted the spot kick to preserve a point for the Whitecaps.
The result left LAFC and Vancouver level at the top of the Western Conference as the battle for first place continued.
