Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. But his comeback ended with a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
Messi came off the bench in the 53rd minute. It was his first match since the World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul also returned for Miami and started the game.
Messi did not score. He came close twice in the second half but sent both shots wide. One of those chances came deep into added time.
Luis Suarez again led Miami’s attack. The Uruguayan scored for the third straight league match. He also set up Noah Allen for Miami’s second goal.
The match started 40 minutes late because of bad weather.
Suarez gave Miami the lead in the 16th minute. Yannick Bright won the ball in midfield before Suarez spotted goalkeeper Patrick Schulte off his line. He then scored with a high long range effort.
Columbus equalised in the 34th minute. Casemiro accidentally turned Hugo Picard’s cross into his own net while trying to clear the ball.
Miami went ahead again just before half time. Allen headed in Suarez’s cross. The assistant referee first ruled it out for offside. But a VAR review awarded the goal. It was Allen’s first goal of the season.
Columbus earned a point in the 84th minute. Brais Mendez scored from a free kick that beat Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
The draw left Inter Miami on 38 points from 18 matches. They stayed two points behind league leaders Nashville SC, who have 40 points. Columbus moved to 20 points as they continued their fight for a place in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
