Messi Returns as Inter Miami Draw Columbus Crew 2-2

Lionel Messi made his return to Major League Soccer action on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with the Columbus Crew in Miami.

The match started later than planned after a 40-minute weather delay. Officials did not provide further details in the match report included with the game summary.

The appearance was Messi’s first competitive outing since the FIFA World Cup final two weeks earlier, marking a quick turnaround from international duty back into club play.

Inter Miami’s lead changed hands before late equaliser

Inter Miami struck first in the 16th minute when Luis Suarez scored. The was his seventh in four matches, extending a productive stretch for the forward.

Columbus answered through an own credited to Casemiro, which brought the score level. The equaliser shifted the momentum of a game that had already been disrupted by the pre-kickoff delay.

Miami regained the advantage when Noah Allen found the net, restoring a lead that put the home side in position to protect its winning run.

That advantage did not last. Brais Mendez tied the match in the 84th minute with a free kick, securing a point for Columbus and leaving Inter Miami to settle for a draw at home.

Streak ends as standings implications follow the draw

The 2-2 result ended Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak. The draw also left the club in second place in the Eastern Conference, according to the league update attached to the match report.

Messi’s substitution appearance added a notable layer to the fixture, but Inter Miami’s late concession meant the return did not coincide with a win. The match also underlined how set pieces can swing outcomes late, with Mendez’s free kick determining the final score.

Lewandowski scores twice in Chicago Fire home debut

In other MLS action on Saturday, Robert Lewandowski scored twice in his home debut for the Chicago Fire, helping the club to a 2-1 win over Charlotte FC.

The victory was Chicago’s first since the end of the World Cup break. The two goals in a debut at home provided an immediate boost as the team restarted its league schedule following the pause.

Officials did not release additional match details beyond the scoring summary included in the league roundup.