Inter Miami 2-2 Columbus Crew: Full highlights and all goals

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated return to Inter Miami after the 2026 World Cup ended in a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against the Columbus Crew at Miami's Nu Stadium, as the Herons saw their six-match winning streak come to an abrupt halt. The evening began perfectly for the hosts when Luis Suarez produced a moment of genius in the 16th minute, lashing a stunning 30-yard effort into the top corner after Yannick Bright's interception, marking his seventh goal in just four regular-season games. However, the dream start turned sour in the 34th minute when new signing Casemiro, making his first start for the club, inadvertently sliced a Hugo Picard cross into his own net, gifting Columbus an equalizer in the most unfortunate fashion. Miami regained their lead in first-half stoppage time when Suarez turned provider, floating a delicate cross for Noah Allen to power home a header, a goal that stood after a lengthy VAR review overturned an initial offside decision against the Uruguayan. The real drama, however, revolved around the 53rd-minute introduction of Messi, who replaced Daniel Pinter to a deafening roar from the crowd. Within 24 seconds of stepping onto the pitch, the Argentine superstar smashed a shot against the post, and minutes later he curled another effort just wide, leaving the fans gasping in disbelief. Columbus, however, refused to surrender, and in the 84th minute debutant Brais Mendez, who joined from Real Sociedad, curled a sublime free-kick from the right flank that brushed the post and nestled into the net, securing a dramatic equalizer for the visitors. The match, which was delayed by 40 minutes due to adverse weather conditions, saw Rodrigo De Paul also return to the starting lineup after his World Cup exploits with Argentina. With this result, Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, two behind leaders Nashville, while Columbus sit 11th with 20 points.