Messi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 against Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi returned to MLS action on Saturday, August 2, 2026, coming on as a second-half substitute as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew. Noah Allen headed Miami into a 2-1 half-time lead with an assist from Luis Suarez, but Columbus debutant Brais Mendez, who joined from Real Sociedad, curled in an 84th-minute free-kick equalizer to level the match. The result denied Inter Miami a victory despite Messi's return from international duty.