Messi Returns as Inter Miami Held by Columbus Crew

ISLAMABAD: (Sports Desk) – Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action on Saturday after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final defeat, making a second-half appearance as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew.

Two weeks after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi came off the bench in the 53rd minute at Miami’s Nu Stadium, receiving a warm welcome from the home crowd. The Argentine star had two opportunities to score but was unable to find the target.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 16th minute through Luis Suarez, who continued his impressive form by scoring his seventh goal in the last four matches.

Columbus Crew equalized in the 34th minute after an own goal by former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro. However, Suarez quickly responded by setting up Noah Allen, whose header restored Miami’s advantage before halftime.

The visitors rescued a point in the 84th minute when debutant Brais Mendez, recently signed from Real Sociedad, curled home a superb free-kick to make it 2-2.

The draw ended Inter Miami’s six-game winning streak, leaving the club second in the MLS Eastern Conference behind 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 playing out a 1-1 draw at BC Place.

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min continued his excellent run of form by scoring his fourth goal in four MLS matches to give Los Angeles FC the lead in the 37th minute. However, Vancouver earned a share of the points after German star Thomas Mueller converted a penalty in the 76th minute.

Son’s impressive performances have continued since the World Cup, and he also claimed MVP honors in the recent MLS All-Star Game.