Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return to Major League Soccer on Saturday but could not inspire Inter Miami to victory as the Eastern Conference side settled for a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, bringing an end to their six-match winning run.
The Argentine captain, who was returning to club football two weeks after featuring in Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, entered the match in the 53rd minute to a rousing reception from supporters at Miami’s Nu Stadium.
Despite his introduction, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to make the decisive impact, sending two efforts wide as Inter Miami were forced to share the points.
Luis Suarez continued his rich vein of form by giving Miami an early advantage in the 16th minute with his seventh goal in his last four matches, maintaining the impressive scoring run that has underpinned the club’s recent resurgence.
However, Columbus Crew drew level in unfortunate circumstances after former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro diverted the ball into his own net in the 34th minute.
Inter Miami regained the lead before the interval when Suarez turned provider, delivering a cross that Noah Allen headed home to restore the hosts’ advantage and hand them a 2-1 lead at half-time.
Columbus refused to surrender and found a late equaliser through Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez, who marked his debut following his arrival from Real Sociedad with a superbly curled free-kick in the 84th minute to rescue a point for the visitors.
The draw halted Inter Miami’s six-game winning streak but kept the club in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings behind leaders Nashville, who were also held to a 2-2 draw by DC United.
In the Western Conference, leaders Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps remained level on points after playing out a 1-1 draw at BC Place.
Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min continued his excellent start since the MLS resumed following the World Cup, extending his scoring streak to four goals in four league appearances by opening the scoring for Los Angeles FC in the 37th minute.
Vancouver, however, secured a share of the spoils when Germany international Thomas Müller calmly converted a penalty in the 76th minute.
Son’s recent performances have helped him bounce back from South Korea’s disappointing World Cup campaign, where the former Premier League star faced criticism after his country failed to progress beyond the group stage. The forward also claimed the Most Valuable Player award in the MLS All-Star Game earlier in the week, underlining his growing influence in American football.
(The Sun)