Lionel Messi was back on the pitch this Saturday, making his first appearance for Inter Miami since Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final loss to Spain.
The 39-year-old superstar—who posted a stellar tournament record of eight goals and four assists before the July 19 defeat—came off the bench in the 53rd minute to a thunderous ovation from the Miami faithful.
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Match Highlights at a Glance:
- Immediate Impact: Moments after stepping onto the field with Miami up 2-1, Messi almost extended the lead, rattling the side-netting from a tight angle and later whistling a shot just wide after a smooth chest-down from Luis Suárez.
- Suárez's Hot Streak: Suárez had earlier put Miami ahead with a stunning long-range chip, marking his seventh goal in just four matches.
- Uneventful Debut Moments: Inter Miami’s new signing Casemiro, recently arrived from Manchester United, unluckily turned a cross into his own net to level the score for Columbus Crew.
- Late Drama: Noah Allen put Miami back in front with a header, but Columbus Crew's debutant Brais Méndez silenced the crowd with a brilliant 84th-minute free-kick equalizer.
- Stoppage-Time Heartbreak: Messi had two late chances to snatch victory in extra time, but a looping header drifted wide and a right-footed strike sailed over the bar, leaving the match locked at a 2-2 draw.
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