Inter Miami had the headline-maker back, the home crowd behind them and a two-goal cushion. Columbus still walked out of Nu Stadium with the result that mattered most: a 2-2 draw powered by Brais Méndez’s instant arrival. )
Lionel Messi returned to MLS action after the World Cup, but Luis Suárez and Miami did the early damage. The hosts moved in front, then doubled the advantage with an own goal credited to Casemiro on his home MLS debut. That looked like the kind of fast start that usually buries a visiting team.
Instead, Columbus showed why its summer reset deserves attention. Méndez entered as a substitute and delivered a curling free kick late in the match, rescuing a point in his MLS debut. The Spanish Designated Player arrived from Real Sociedad as the Crew’s replacement for Diego Rossi, and his first major contribution could not have been more timely. )
- ⚽ Biggest takeaway: Columbus found a creator who can change a match without needing 90 minutes.
- 🧱 Miami concern: A two-goal lead disappeared after the Crew adjusted and attacked the spaces behind the home defense.
- 🔥 Why it matters: The result keeps Columbus relevant in the Eastern Conference while Miami leaves another match wondering why its star power is not translating into control.
Everyone missed: This was not just a Messi-return story. It was Columbus proving that its revamped roster already has a difference-maker capable of stealing the spotlight.