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

What the report says

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Saturday in a Major League Soccer match against Columbus Crew, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, AP and Reuters, reported that the Argentina captain was playing for the first time since the FIFA World Cup final, after an extended break that followed Argentina’s loss to Spain in New Jersey two weeks earlier.

The match in Miami was delayed by 40 minutes because of weather before Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the hosts. Columbus equalized through an own goal, and Miami regained the lead before halftime when Noah Allen finished a Suarez assist. Columbus then earned a late point through Brais Mendez, who scored from a free kick in his debut for the club after arriving from Real Sociedad.

Messi had several chances after coming on but did not score on his return. The draw ended Inter Miami’s six-game winning run and left the team second in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville, which also drew its match. Al Jazeera’s report places Messi’s comeback in the context of Miami’s ongoing league campaign and the club’s effort to maintain its position near the top of the standings.