Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action on Saturday as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew, making his first club appearance since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.
The Argentine captain came off the bench in the 53rd minute at Nu Stadium, receiving a warm ovation from the home crowd.
Although he threatened on a couple of occasions, Messi was unable to celebrate his return with a goal, sending two efforts off target.
Inter Miami had opened the scoring in the 16th minute through the in-form Luis Suarez, who continued his prolific run by netting his seventh goal in his last four matches.
Columbus levelled in the 34th minute after former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Miami regained the lead before the break when Suarez turned provider, setting up Noah Allen for a headed finish that gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
However, Columbus earned a share of the points in the 84th minute as debutant Brais Mendez, recently signed from Spanish club Real Sociedad, curled a superb free-kick beyond the goalkeeper.
The result snapped Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak but kept them second in the Eastern Conference, behind leaders Nashville, who were also held to a 2-2 draw by DC United.
In the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps remained level at the top after a 1-1 draw at BC Place.
Former Tottenham Hotspur captain, Son Heung-min, extended his impressive scoring streak to four goals in four league matches since the MLS resumed after the World Cup, putting Los Angeles ahead in the 37th minute.
Vancouver responded in the 76th minute through German forward Thomas Mueller, who converted a penalty to rescue a point.
Son also enjoyed individual recognition during the week after being named the MLS All-Star Game MVP, bouncing back strongly from South Korea’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
