Inter Miami Draws with Columbus as Messi Returns to MLS Action

A weather interruption delayed the start of play, but Inter Miami CF ultimately could not secure victory against the Columbus Crew on Saturday evening, settling for a 2-2 draw in what marked Lionel Messi’s first appearance in Major League Soccer since his return to the league. Messi entered the match from the bench, while midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro took the field for Miami, with Casemiro making his home debut at the Nu Stadium venue.

Columbus dominated possession and field position during the opening exchanges, pressing the Miami backline and restricting the hosts’ opportunities to advance the ball. Early territorial dominance by the Crew produced a threatening opportunity, but Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made a crucial save to keep the match scoreless.

Taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Columbus in midfield, Miami struck first when Luis Suárez capitalized on a goalkeeper wandering from his line, controlling the loose ball and executing a precise finish from 40 yards away to give the Herons a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Suárez’s fourth consecutive match with a score, highlighting his critical role in the team’s attacking play during Messi’s prior absence.

Casemiro’s influence on Miami’s midfield became immediately apparent through his distributing ability and orchestration of counterattacking movements. His home debut took a damaging turn in the 34th minute when an intended clearance deflected off his boot and into his own net, equalizing the contest at 1-1 and extending a troubling pattern of first-half concessions at home.

Miami reasserted control before the halftime whistle when Suárez sent a right-wing cross into the penalty area that Noah Allen converted with a clean finish in the 44th minute, restoring Miami’s advantage at 2-1 heading into the interval despite Columbus’s possession advantages throughout the opening half.

Messi’s introduction early in the second half energized the home crowd and visibly shifted the match’s tactical balance in Miami’s favor. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient nearly scored immediately, forcing a save on his opening chance while improving Miami’s control of the ball.

Columbus created a dangerous moment in the 65th minute when a shot rattled the crossbar, missing only narrowly what would have been an equalizing goal. Despite Miami’s subsequent attempts to extend its lead, Columbus maintained disciplined defensive positioning and prevented a decisive third goal.

A critical foul by Casemiro late in the match handed Columbus a free-kick opportunity, which the Crew converted to level the score at 2-2 and deny Miami what had appeared to be a decisive victory. Following a Messi header in the closing moments that forced another save, Miami’s resulting corner kick was cleared by Columbus to preserve the draw.

The result ended Inter Miami’s streak of six consecutive victories and drops the team to second place in the Eastern Conference standings as the league prepares for Leagues Cup competition. A win would have positioned Miami level with Nashville SC atop the conference table.