Lionel Messi Returns After 2026 World Cup, but Inter Miami Held Off by Columbus

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi is back in action for Inter Miami on Sunday, August 2, 2026 WIB, 13 days after feeling defeated with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

Messi started the match from the bench before being brought on in the 53rd minute in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium, Miami.

The 39-year-old, who replaced Daniel Pinter, received a rapturous reception from the home crowd as he returned to the pitch after his sixth World Cup.

It was almost a dream debut for the MLS' biggest star when, three minutes after coming on, he received a pass from Luis Suarez on the right side of the penalty box and fired a hard left-footed shot.

The South Florida crowd was just waiting for the ball to go in, but instead it floated wide of the near post, eliciting a stunned reaction from everyone.

If Messi's kick had become a goal, Inter Miami would have been 3-1 ahead. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Inter Miami took the lead with a long-range shot from Suarez that was daring and soared over the head of Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

After that, the Uruguayan player gave an assist to Noah Allen to bring his team back to a 2-1 lead towards the end of the first half, after Columbus tied the score 1-1 through Casemiro's own goal - who made his debut at Inter Miami's home.

The visitors repeated the trick when Brais Mendez's free kick went into the net in the 84th minute to deny Inter Miami full points.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted that the game got out of control in the last minutes, but praised his team, especially Messi's return and his Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

"I want to thank the squad for the effort they have given. I want to publicly thank Leo and Rodri for being there. That was very important for us."

"I also want to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of everyone throughout the game, a very competitive league and requires hard work," he said as reported by ESPN.

Messi has been in scintillating form at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals and four assists and breaking several records along the way.

He led Argentina to the final for the second time in a row, playing the full 120 minutes as his team lost 0-1 to Spain after extra time at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Messi's club and Argentina teammate De Paul, who played 70 minutes in the final, was in Inter Miami's starting lineup against Columbus.

De Paul plays alongside Casemiro, who is making his second appearance after his arrival in the summer after leaving Manchester United.

Hoyos praised Casemiro even though it was his first own goal at club level since 2011 with Sao Paulo in the Brazilian league.

"Casimiro is one of the best players in the world. He is exceptional in his position because he provides a real balance between defense and attack. He ensures the ball is played very cleanly from the area."

"He is a fantastic recruit who can bring a lot of success to the team. So, this is a compliment to the player and his personal because he is also a great person," he said.

Meanwhile, both Messi and De Paul took time off after the 2026 World Cup, missing Inter Miami's matches against Chicago Fire FC and CF Montreal.

Both players were also allowed to miss the MLS All-Star Game without penalty after being selected for the roster.

The two returned to training with Inter Miami earlier last week. Messi last played for Inter Miami on May 24, 2026 against Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium before the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami, who remain two points behind Nashville SC at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, will now turn their attention to the Leagues Cup.

The Herons are scheduled to host Atletico de San Luis at the Nu Stadium on Thursday, August 6, 2026 WIB, before facing Monterrey and Leon for the chance to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.