Lionel Messi returns to Major League Soccer after World Cup duty as Inter Miami play Columbus Crew to a 2-2 draw. Multiple outlets report that Messi comes on in the second half, marking his return to MLS action roughly two weeks after Argentina’s final loss to Spain. Inter Miami build an early lead, with Noah Allen scoring to give Miami a 2-1 advantage at halftime after an assist involving Luis Suárez. In the second half, Columbus fights back. Brais Mendez, making his Columbus debut after arriving from Real Sociedad, scores an equalizer late in the match. Sources describe the equalizer as a curled free kick delivered in the 84th minute.
The draw ends Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak, according to The Hindu, and keeps the club in second place in the Eastern Conference. The same report notes Nashville also draws 2-2, at DC United, as Miami’s result prevents further extension of its unbeaten run.
