Argentinian football star Lionel Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Saturday, August 2nd, 2026, marking his first appearance since the FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain two weeks earlier in New Jersey, United States. Messi came off the bench in the second half during the Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture against Columbus Crew, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The match kickoff was delayed by 40 minutes due to inclement weather in Miami. When play began, Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored in the 16th minute, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. However, Miami’s former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the 34th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.

Later in the game, Columbus Crew’s midfielder Brais Mendez, who was making his debut after transferring from Real Sociedad in Spain, scored a second equalizer from a free kick in the 84th minute.

This match was part of Inter Miami’s ongoing MLS campaign following their championship win. Additionally, Robert Lewandowski, who signed as a free agent in late June, scored his first goal for Chicago Fire in a separate match, leveling the scores after Charlotte had taken an early lead.

Other ongoing football developments include FIFA’s study on expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition and global reactions to FIFA and Infantino’s World Cup decisions.

Sources