The loudest roar of the night came before Lionel Messi even touched the ball. In the 53rd minute, the 39-year-old rose from the bench for Inter Miami. Immediately, the crowd at Nu Stadium erupted.
Lionel Messi Return Energises Inter Miami
This marked the Lionel Messi return to club action after the World Cup. Just 13 days earlier, he had captained Argentina in a 1-0 final loss to Spain. Now, he was back in MLS colours.
Messi replaced Dániel Pintér and quickly reclaimed the captain’s armband from Luis Suárez. Moreover, teammate Rodrigo De Paul returned too, starting the match after his own tournament run.
Miami nearly struck gold three minutes later. However, Messi’s left-footed effort flashed just wide of the post. Therefore, the dream reintroduction never quite arrived.
A Late Blow Denies Inter Miami
Suárez had already opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Yet Columbus hit back through a Casemiro own goal on his home debut. Then Noah Allen headed Miami ahead again before halftime.
Still, the drama was not over. Brais Méndez curled in an 84th-minute free kick on his MLS debut. As a result, the Crew grabbed a 2-2 draw and ended Miami’s winning run.
Despite the frustration, the Lionel Messi return offered plenty of promise. The captain created chances and looked sharp throughout his cameo.
The draw leaves Miami second in the Eastern Conference, just behind Nashville. Next, the Leagues Cup group stage awaits this week. Meanwhile, bigger questions about Messi’s future can wait for another day.
