**Lionel Messi Returns for Inter Miami After Extended Post-World Cup Break**
*Miami, FL – August 2, 2026* – Lionel Messi made his highly anticipated return to the pitch on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half as Inter Miami faced Columbus Crew in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match that ended in a 2-2 draw. This marked Messi's first appearance since the FIFA World Cup final, where he and the Argentine national team were narrowly defeated by Spain.
The match at Nu Stadium was delayed by 40 minutes due to inclement weather, but once underway, it showcased an exciting back-and-forth battle. Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 16th minute, netting his seventh goal in just four games. However, the lead was short-lived; Miami's midfielder Casemiro inadvertently scored an own goal in the 34th minute, leveling the match at 1-1.
Despite the setback, Miami regained the lead before halftime when Suarez assisted Noah Allen, who headed the ball into the net, bringing the score to 2-1. The second half saw Messi enter the field, as fans eagerly awaited a glimpse of the football icon. Although he had several opportunities to score, Messi was unable to find the back of the net, and the match concluded with Columbus Crew equalizing in the 84th minute through a free kick taken by Brais Mendez, who was making his debut for the Crew after transferring from Real Sociedad.
The draw ended Inter Miami's impressive six-match winning streak, but the team remains in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing only Nashville SC, who also played to a 2-2 draw against DC United on the same day.
Messi's return was a significant moment for both the player and the fans, as his presence on the field is expected to elevate the team's performance and draw larger crowds to the matches. His absence following the World Cup final had been notable, and many were eager to see how he would reintegrate into the team dynamics.
In other MLS action on Saturday, Polish forward Robert Lewandowski made headlines with a standout performance during his home debut for the Chicago Fire. Lewandowski scored twice, leading the Fire to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. His first goal came shortly after Charlotte took the lead, leveling the score just minutes later. He added a second goal in the 68th minute, ensuring Chicago secured their first win since the World Cup break.
As the MLS season progresses, both Messi and Lewandowski's performances will be closely watched, with fans hopeful for continued excitement and competitive play in the league.