Inter Miami 2:2 Columbus Crew — Messi returned, but the team missed victory after a Casemiro own goal
Lionel Messi entered in the 53rd minute after the end of the World Cup, but Inter Miami drew 2-2 and lost the chance to lead the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew on August 2, 2026, after failing to hold their lead and missing the opportunity to become leaders of the Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi played his first match for Inter Miami after the end of the World Cup; however, he started on the bench and came on in the 53rd minute. Messi replaced 19-year-old talent Daniel Pinter, who was in the starting lineup.
Lineup and twists in the match
The starting lineup included Luis Suárez, who missed the World Cup, winter signing Rodrigo De Paul and the latest signing Casemiro. Luis Suárez put them ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute, while Casemiro unfortunately scored an own goal in the 34th minute.
Alna again restored Inter Miami’s lead, but the opponent managed to equalize in the very end and the final score was 2-2.
Despite Messi's return and the presence of several big names in the team, Inter Miami failed to secure the victory that would have pushed them to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Photo: Inter Miami H
