Messi Makes MLS Return In Inter Miami 2-2 Draw

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has returned to Major League Soccer (MLS) action after World Cup duty as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Messi came off the bench in the 53rd minute at Miami’s Nu Stadium, marking his return two weeks after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Despite receiving a warm welcome from fans, Messi could not find the net, missing two chances as Miami’s six-match winning streak came to an end.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 16th minute through Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who scored his seventh goal in his last four games.

Messi Makes MLS Return In Inter Miami 2-2 Draw 1. Credit: AP News.

Columbus responded after Miami midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the 34th minute to make it 1-1.

Suarez then set up Noah Allen, who headed Miami back in front before half-time.

However, Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez rescued a point for his team with an 84th-minute free-kick goal in his first appearance for the club after joining from Real Sociedad.

The result kept Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville, who also drew 2-2 against DC United.

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In the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps remained level at the top after a 1-1 draw.

South Korean forward Son Heung-min continued his impressive MLS form, scoring his fourth goal in four games since the league resumed after the World Cup.

Son put Los Angeles ahead in the 37th minute before former Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller equalised for Vancouver from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.

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Deborah Akwa

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