Lionel Messi Returns to MLS Action with Inter Miami
August 2, 2026 ·
Lionel Messi made his MLS debut again, coming on as a substitute for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, having last appeared in the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi Returns to MLS Action with Inter Miami
According to Sports.
Background
Lionel Messi, known as one of the best players in football history, is now back in action in MLS after his last appearance at the World Cup. Messi's return is expected to have a significant impact on Inter Miami's performance and attract more attention to the league.
Why this is important
Lionel Messi's return to MLS is very important for Inter Miami and American soccer fans. His performance in the match against Columbus Crew showed that he still has a big impact on the pitch, despite only returning after the World Cup final. This 2-2 draw also shows the challenges Miami faces in maintaining their position in the MLS standings.
Main Points
- Lionel Messi Returns to MLS Action with Inter Miami.
- Lionel Messi made his MLS debut again, coming on as a substitute for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, having last appeared in the World Cup final.
- Lionel Messi subs in for Inter Miami in first MLS game since World Cup - Yahoo Sports.
Lionel Messi has finally returned to action in Major League Soccer (MLS) after a long absence. The Argentinian soccer star came on as a substitute in Inter Miami's match against Columbus Crew on Saturday. Messi entered the field in the 53rd minute, replacing Dániel Pintér, and immediately took back the captain's armband from Luis Suárez when entering the field.
This is Messi's first appearance since the Argentinian national team lost to Spain in the World Cup final which took place two weeks ago. In this match, Messi partnered with his club and country teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, who also started for Inter Miami.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Inter Miami opened the scoring through Suárez's goal, but the lead was offset by an own goal from Casemiro. Before the first half ended, Noah Allen put Miami back in front, but the Columbus Crew managed to equalize in the 84th minute thanks to a goal from Brais Méndez, who scored on a free kick after 20 minutes coming on as a substitute.
Messi's timetable for returning to the team after the World Cup was unclear. He and De Paul missed Miami's two matches against the Chicago Fire and CF Montréal in the week following the final, which Miami managed to win in the absence of the Argentine duo. Both also chose not to appear in the MLS All-Star game even though they were selected to be in the squad.
Inter Miami coach, Guillermo Hoyos, previously did not confirm whether Messi or De Paul would return to play in the match against Columbus Crew. "We've talked about it, but we haven't had a chance to talk further," Hoyos told reporters. "We're very happy to have them back and at the club. It's great to see them here."
However, Messi posted information about the match on his Instagram the day before the match, indicating that he might play. After Messi failed to win the World Cup trophy and the Golden Boot award, many questioned the next step for the 39-year-old superstar. However, right now, his focus is on returning to MLS action. After the game against Columbus, Miami will face San Luis and Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage this week. With this draw, Inter Miami is currently in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, competing closely with Nashville SC for the top spot.
What happened next
With Messi back, Inter Miami is expected to improve their performance in the remainder of this season. The upcoming match will be an opportunity for Messi and his teammates to build momentum and improve their position in the MLS standings. Fans will look forward to seeing how Messi collaborates with De Paul and Suárez in the next matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goal for Inter Miami in the match against Columbus Crew?
Goals for Inter Miami were scored by Luis Suárez and Noah Allen.
What is the final result of the Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew match?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
What impact will this result have on Inter Miami's position in the MLS table?
This draw affected Inter Miami's position in the MLS table, but was not specifically mentioned in the article.
When will Lionel Messi return to MLS after the World Cup?
Lionel Messi makes his MLS return in the match against Columbus Crew on Saturday.
What is the next fixture for Inter Miami after playing Columbus Crew?
The next match schedule for Inter Miami is not mentioned in the article.