Messi Returns, Miami Draws
Messi Returns as Luis Suárez Scores in Inter Miami's 2-2 Draw with Columbus
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Key Points
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Luis Suárez extended his hot run with 4 goals and 1 assist in Miami's three games since the World Cup break, lifting his 2026 tally to 10 goals and 6 assists and signaling a continued scoring surge for the Herons.
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Inter Miami's club-record six-game winning streak was snapped in the 2-2 draw, though the team remained undefeated in seven straight and remained in a close battle atop the Eastern Conference (38 points, two behind Nashville SC).
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Columbus equalized with an early first-half own goal, a turning point in the match that helped salvage a point for the Crew.
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Noah Allen added Miami's other first-half goal, contributing to the 2-1 lead before the late drama.
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Miami will head into Leagues Cup action with a next fixture against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, highlighting a busy schedule after the Columbus matchup.
Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup on Saturday, coming off the bench in the 53rd minute of a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew — his first MLS appearance since Argentina's run at the 2026 World Cup, according to ESPN. The result snapped Miami's club-record six-game winning streak, though the team stayed unbeaten in seven straight matches.
Luis Suárez stole the show before Messi arrived, scoring his fourth goal in three games since the World Cup break. That lifts Suárez to 10 goals and 6 assists on the 2026 season, per MLS Soccer. A late free-kick curler from Brais Méndez — in his MLS debut — denied Miami the win.
Suárez Keeps Scoring, Messi Makes His Comeback
Suárez has been Miami's engine since the World Cup pause. He has scored 4 goals and added 1 assist across Miami's last three games, per MLS Soccer. His long-range strike against Columbus was a highlight. The Uruguayan striker is firmly in the MLS Golden Boot race with 10 goals on the year.
Messi entered in the 53rd minute, replacing Dániel Pintér, according to Head Topics. He created chances late but could not find the net. Rodrigo De Paul also returned from World Cup duty, starting in midfield alongside Casemiro. It was the first time Miami fielded its full star core in weeks.
Columbus Erases Miami's Lead With Debut Goal
Miami looked in control for much of the match. Noah Allen scored to give Miami a 2-1 lead in the first half. An earlier own goal by Columbus had helped level things at 1-1 before Allen's strike, per Sun Sentinel.
Then Méndez changed the game. The Columbus midfielder curled in a free kick late in the match to make it 2-2 — all in his MLS debut, according to Sun Sentinel. It was a gut punch for Miami, who could not find a response even with Messi on the pitch.
Miami Stays Near the Top of the Eastern Conference
Despite the dropped points, Inter Miami holds 38 points in the Eastern Conference. That puts them just two points behind Nashville SC for the top spot, per ESPN. The draw keeps Miami in a tight race for both the conference lead and the Supporters' Shield.
The club remains unbeaten in seven straight games. That is a strong run even without the win. Miami's depth — anchored by Suárez, Messi, De Paul, and Casemiro — gives them real firepower as the schedule gets busier.
Leagues Cup Next as Miami Juggles a Packed Schedule
Miami's next match comes fast. The Herons face Atletico San Luis on Wednesday in Leagues Cup play, per MLS Soccer. Leagues Cup is a tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs. Winning it would add silverware to a season already full of promise.
Managing minutes for Messi and De Paul will be a key question. Both just returned from a World Cup where Argentina reached the final, losing to Spain, according to Yahoo News. Head coach Javier Mascherano will need to balance star availability with the demands of a packed summer calendar.
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