Messi Returns to Pitch in Inter Miami’s Hard-Fought Draw Against Columbus
Lionel Messi made his first MLS appearance since the World Cup final as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew. Despite a goal from Luis Suarez, a late free-kick from Brais Mendez ended Miami's winning streak.
Key takeaways
- Lionel Messi returned to the pitch in the 53rd minute for the first time since the 2026 World Cup final.
- Luis Suarez continued his scoring form with his seventh goal in four matches during the 2-2 draw.
- Brais Mendez scored a debut goal for Columbus Crew with an 84th-minute free-kick to split the points.
- Inter Miami remains second in the Eastern Conference after their six-match winning streak was snapped.
- Son Heung-min scored for LAFC to extend his post-World Cup scoring streak to four consecutive games.
Late Equalizer Stalls Miami's Momentum
Inter Miami’s six-game winning run ended on August 1, 2026, as they secured a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium. The match served as the return of Lionel Messi, who entered the fray in the 53rd minute. This appearance marked his first competitive action since Argentina fell to Spain in the World Cup final two weeks prior. While Messi managed two attempts on goal, both missed the target.
Suarez Stays Hot While Mendez Debuts
The hosts opened the scoring early when Luis Suarez found the net in the 16th minute, marking his seventh goal in just four matches. The lead vanished in the 34th minute after Casemiro, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United veteran, deflected the ball into his own net. Before the interval, Noah Allen restored Miami's advantage by heading home a cross from Suarez to make it 2-1.
Columbus secured a point in the 84th minute through Brais Mendez. The former Real Sociedad midfielder, making his debut for the Crew, curled a precise free-kick past the Miami goalkeeper. The draw keeps Inter Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville, who also recorded a 2-2 result against DC United.
League-Wide Results and Western Conference Standing
In the Western Conference, the battle for the top spot remains a stalemate between Los Angeles FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps after their 1-1 draw at BC Place. Son Heung-min, who was recently named MLS All-Star Game MVP, scored his fourth goal in as many games to put LAFC ahead in the 37th minute. Vancouver leveled the score in the 76th minute when Thomas Mueller successfully converted a penalty kick.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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