Lionel Messi makes MLS comeback in Inter Miami’s 2-2 tie with Columbus

Lionel Messi re-entered Major League Soccer play this Saturday following his World Cup campaign, joining the field in the second half of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew. The star stepped onto the grass at Nu Stadium during the 53rd minute, two weeks after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat against Spain, though he failed to score despite two attempts. Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Miami in the 16th minute, securing his seventh goal in four matches. Shortly after, Casemiro accidentally redirected the ball into his own net in the 34th minute, balancing the score for Columbus. Before halftime, Suarez set up Noah Allen to regain the lead for Miami. However, debutant Brais Mendez leveled the match again for Columbus with an 84th-minute free-kick. This draw halted Miami’s six-game victory run, leaving them second in the Eastern Conference standings behind Nashville. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps finished tied at 1-1. Son Heung-min netted his fourth goal in as many games for Los Angeles, but Thomas Mueller responded with a penalty kick for Vancouver in the 76th minute.