FLORIDA, AUG 2: Star Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi returned to the pitch — two weeks after the FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain — for Major League Soccer game against Columbus Crew on Saturday at the Nu Stadium in Florida.
Messi started on bench before he was substituted in the 53rd minute for Daniel Pinter. Miami was leading 2-1 at that time, thanks to first-half goals from Luis Suarez and Noah Allen
Three minutes later, Messi had his first shot from inside the box that went slightly off target from the right of the Columbus goalkeeper, wide of the post.
Miami conceded a late equaliser in the 84th minute by Brais Mendez.
However, the home side had another chance in the third minute of the stoppage time to score when Messi received a high ball inside the box and chipped a head that went over the keeper but wide of the far post.
A minute later, Messi had another shot for a winner from inside the box but ended up hitting the ball too high off the post.
Apart from Messi, Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul also returned to elevate Miami’s midfield. However, the side could only finish with a 2-2 draw.
