The long-awaited return of Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer did not disappoint. Stepping onto the pitch at Nu Stadium for the first time since leading Argentina through another exhausting international tournament run, Messi brought instant electric energy to an already explosive Eastern Conference matchup.
While Inter Miami couldn’t walk away with three full points, the 2-2 draw against a resilient Columbus Crew proved that the Herons remain the team to beat in MLS.
Key Match Takeaways
- Messi’s Return (53’): Entering as a second-half substitute, Messi almost immediately picked apart Columbus’ backline, creating three late dangerous chances in stoppage time.
- Suárez’s Audacious Golazo (16’): Luis Suárez caught Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte off his line and chipped him from nearly 35 yards out. It marked his 10th league goal of the season and his 7th in four games.
- Historical Milestone: Suárez became just the fifth player in MLS history to record 10+ goals and 5+ assists in three consecutive seasons.
- Noah Allen Header (45+5’): Academy product Allen headed home a beauty right before halftime off a pinpoint Suárez cross set up by Rodrigo De Paul.
- Late Columbus Stunner (84’): Columbus debutant Brais Méndez curled in an 84th-minute free kick to split the points and break Miami’s six-game winning streak.
Inter Miami (11-2-5) extended their unbeaten run to seven straight games, but the real story is squad depth. Having Messi back in the mix alongside Rodrigo De Paul gives Miami an unmatched tactical gear down the stretch. If this match was any preview of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoff race, buckle up—the second half of this season is going to be pure box office.
