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Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul made their return to competitive action for the first time since Argentina's defeat in the 2026 World Cup final on Saturday evening, both featuring in Inter Miami's MLS regular season fixture against Columbus Crew at Miami's newly opened Nu Stadium.
Following a significant weather delay, De Paul was named in the starting eleven, while Messi entered as a substitute. Both players produced standout moments, yet neither side could claim all three points, as Columbus held the Herons to a 2–2 stalemate, snapping Miami's club-record six-match winning run.
Luis Suárez broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a stunning effort from near the halfway line, delicately chipping a ball over a stranded Patrick Schulte in the Columbus goal for his seventh strike in four appearances.
Luis Suarez from long range! 😱
Seven goals in four games from the @InterMiamiCF striker. pic.twitter.com/NFkU26vjDJ
Shortly afterward, Columbus attacker Dániel Gazdag delivered a cross that deflected off Casemiro and into Miami's net for the Herons' second own goal in three matches, drawing the scores level in the 34th minute.
Before the interval, MLS All-Star Yannick Bright combined with Suárez for a second time, but the Uruguayan veteran opted to square the ball rather than shoot, picking out defender Noah Allen at the far post to restore Miami's lead at 2–1 going into the break.
Despite continued pressure from the Herons and an energetic showing from Messi — who registered four shots and 25 touches after coming on in the 53rd minute — Columbus leveled through an 84th-minute strike from Brais Méndez to claim a share of the spoils.
The result leaves Miami in second place behind Nashville SC at the top of the Eastern Conference and in the Supporters' Shield standings.
Here are Sports Illustrated's four key observations from the draw and Messi's comeback.
Suárez is on Fire
With less than six months until his 40th birthday, Luis Suárez is firmly in the running for the MLS Golden Boot, now boasting 10 goals for the season, behind current leaders New York City FC's Nicolás Fernández Mercau and FC Dallas's Petar Musa, who each have 13.
Suárez's eye for goal has never been in doubt, even during quieter stretches with Inter Miami. Nevertheless, the seasoned forward has added a fresh dimension to his game, and on Saturday linked up brilliantly with Bright and De Paul, who operated in a more advanced position.
His goal was a product of exceptional awareness to spot Schulte off his line and timeless technique, but it was far from his only contribution. He combined with Bright in the build-up to Allen's goal and finished the night with three chances created and two shots on target in yet another commanding display.
The pressing concern for Suárez going forward will be fitness and availability. Striking cover is thin, particularly with Germán Berterame still recovering following a hospital visit in Montreal last weekend, and with seven games still to play in August, serious questions remain about how Guillermo Hoyos intends to manage the forward's workload.
Casemiro Unlocks Rodrigo De Paul
Making his first appearance in front of the home supporters, Casemiro had a relatively understated evening in the deeper midfield role for the Herons. However, his most meaningful contribution was that his positioning gave Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push higher up the pitch and combine more fluidly with the attackers.
Occupying the right side of midfield, De Paul carved out several openings for starting winger Dániel Pintér before further demonstrating his influence once Messi entered the fray midway through the second half.
By granting De Paul greater license to advance, Miami became considerably more dangerous on the counter. Meanwhile, Casemiro has looked assured when dealing with transitions in MLS and is capable of dictating play from a deeper position, much like Sergio Busquets did on Miami's 2025 MLS Cup-winning squad.
How Messi Fared in Return
Following a grueling World Cup campaign that involved an extended run, extensive travel and eight goals across emotionally charged matches, Messi returned to Argentina to rest and recharge. Coming off the bench, it was clear the time away had served him well, as he played with energy and remarkable creativity, even without finding the net.
Combining with Suárez and De Paul, Messi led all players with four shots and registered five touches inside the opposition's penalty area, also a game-high among all participants.
Messi is back after leading Argentina to its second-straight World Cup Final appearance. 👏 pic.twitter.com/F91Bo3BC4v
Miami's tactical shape shifted noticeably once Messi took to the field. De Paul dropped into a more defensive role alongside Casemiro, as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner contributes little defensively. Even so, it created enough space for him to reach goalscoring positions that, on most nights, he would convert.
Hoyos faces the challenge of finding the optimal way to field Messi, Suárez, De Paul and Casemiro simultaneously while also incorporating Bright, though it is undoubtedly a puzzle any coach would relish solving.
Are Own Goals and Fans a Problem?
Inter Miami have now conceded two own goals across their last three matches. Thanks to the exceptional quality throughout the squad and Suárez's prolific form, the damage has been limited, but it represents a concerning pattern for a side that has never been renowned for defensive solidity.
While Casemiro's unfortunate clearance was not as costly as Rocco Ríos Novo's error against Chicago Fire FC, it was hardly the kind of moment supporters would anticipate from a high-profile signing.
A goal is a goal 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0DZyLQwtIp
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Fortunately for Casemiro, the stadium was far from full to witness that moment — the stands looked noticeably empty, well short of the venue's listed capacity of 26,700. Is star fatigue setting in? Has the level of on-field dominance dipped? There are plenty of questions Miami must address regarding fan engagement, particularly following the unfortunate public dispute between players and dedicated supporters earlier in the campaign.
As things stand, Miami sit second in MLS behind Nashville SC, but now shift their focus to the Leagues Cup — a tournament they claimed in 2023 during the early weeks following Messi's arrival as a free agent.