“Messi returns to Inter Miami in an exciting draw with Columbus.”

Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated debut for Inter Miami after the 2026 World Cup in an exciting match against Columbus Crew that ended in a 2-2 draw. The game took place at the new Nu Stadium in Miami and also featured Rodrigo De Paul, who started in the lineup. After a lengthy delay due to bad weather, both players stood out, but they were unable to prevent the team from dropping points, thus ending a six-match winning streak, a club record.

The match started well for the Herons, with Luis Suárez opening the scoring in the 16th minute with an incredible goal from nearly half the field, perfectly executed as he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. However, the joy was short-lived as Dániel Gazdag capitalized on a deflection from Casemiro to level the score in the 34th minute. Before halftime, Suárez showcased his brilliance again by providing an assist to Noah Allen, putting the team back in the lead.

Messi's entry into the game in the 53rd minute brought a new dynamic to the team. The Argentine star had four shots and 25 touches on the ball, but Columbus Crew managed to equalize with a goal from Brais Méndez in the 84th minute, thus frustrating Inter Miami's aspirations. With this result, the team remains in second place in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville SC.

Luis Suárez stood out as the star of the night, continuing his pursuit of the MLS Golden Boot, now with 10 goals for the season. His finishing ability has never been in doubt, and in the match, he showed great form, creating several opportunities and demonstrating a growing chemistry with his attacking teammates. However, the question of his durability arises as a point of concern, especially with the demanding schedule ahead.

As for Casemiro, although he had a subdued performance, his positioning was crucial for Rodrigo De Paul to take on a more advanced role, creating multiple opportunities. The freedom that the Brazilian provides to the Argentine allowed the team to become more threatening in quick transitions, while Casemiro proved effective in defending against the opponent's attacks.

The next phase of the championship promises to be challenging for Inter Miami, which will need to find ways to maintain its competitiveness with the busy schedule approaching. The influence of Messi, Suárez, and Casemiro will be essential for the team's goals, which aims to continue fighting for the top spots in the League.