On Saturday, Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami, but the Major League Soccer team was held to a 2-2 draw by Columbus Crew following an own goal by Casemiro, a recent addition.

The Argentine captain was playing for the first time since July 19, when Argentina lost to Spain 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Before going back to club duty, Messi had an outstanding tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

When the 39-year-old came off the bench in the 53rd minute with his team ahead 2-1, Inter Miami fans gave him a standing ovation.

Luis Suarez gave Inter Miami the lead with a daring long-range chip, earning his seventh goal in four games.

But while trying to block a dangerous cross, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro unintentionally redirected the ball into his own net, tying the score for Columbus Crew. In July, the former midfielder for Manchester United signed with Inter Miami.

With a headed finish, Noah Allen gave Miami the lead again, but Columbus rallied late in the game.

Brais Mendez, a Spanish midfielder, scored a free kick in the 84th minute to split the points in his Columbus Crew debut.

Messi was twice denied the opportunity to lead a thrilling triumph in stoppage time. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner fired another shot over the crossbar after first sending a looping header just wide.

Despite the stalemate, Messi displayed flashes of his talent during his cameo in the second half, posing a threat to the Columbus defence after taking the place of a teammate early on.