Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami after extended post-World Cup break

Argentinian star made his return for the MLS champions as Inter Miami play out a 2-2 result with Columbus Crew.Published On 2 Aug 20262 Aug 2026Lionel Messi has made his first appearance since the FIFA World Cup final, coming off the bench in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew.The Argentinian veteran returned to the pitch for Saturday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture, two weeks after losing the World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey, United States.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3World Cup: For India football, qualification is still just a distant dreamlist 2 of 3FIFA studying impact of expanding World Cup to 64 teams for 2030 editionlist 3 of 3Football reacts across globe to FIFA and Infantino’s World Cup standdownend of listMessi had several good scoring chances in the closing stages of the match but could not mark his return with a goal.Kickoff was delayed for 40 minutes due to inclement weather in Miami, and when the game finally began, Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal in his last four games to put the hosts 1-0 up in the 16th minute.Miami’s former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro scored an own g...