MIAMI, United States — Luis Suárez continued his impressive scoring form as Inter Miami played out a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul making their first appearances since returning from international duty with Argentina.
The experienced Uruguayan striker stole the headlines by scoring a spectacular long-range goal from near the halfway line, extending his scoring streak to four consecutive matches. The goal highlighted Suárez’s outstanding recent form, as he has now scored seven goals in his last four games and reached double figures for the season, strengthening his challenge for the MLS Golden Boot.
The match also marked the return of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul following Argentina’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After being given time to rest following the tournament, both players were welcomed back into the Inter Miami squad as the club continues its pursuit of major honours in Major League Soccer.
Rodrigo De Paul was named in the starting lineup and featured in midfield alongside new signing Casemiro for the first time. Although Inter Miami suffered the setback of an own goal involving Casemiro, the midfield partnership showed encouraging signs and is expected to become an important part of the team’s plans for the remainder of the campaign.
Messi began the game on the bench before coming on in the 53rd minute. The Argentine captain immediately made his presence felt with his creativity, movement and attacking influence, helping Inter Miami increase the pressure as they searched for a winning goal during the closing stages of the contest.
Despite Miami’s attacking efforts, Columbus Crew fought back to earn a valuable point. New signing Brais Méndez marked his debut with a superb free-kick in the 84th minute, cancelling out Miami’s advantage and ensuring the visitors left with a share of the spoils.
The result brought an end to Inter Miami’s club-record six-match winning streak but extended the team’s unbeaten run to seven matches. The Herons remain firmly in contention near the top of the Eastern Conference and continue to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield as the regular season progresses.
Inter Miami now have 38 points, leaving them just two points behind league leaders Nashville SC. With Messi, De Paul and Suárez all available again, expectations are growing that the club can maintain its title challenge during the final stretch of the season.
For Columbus Crew, the draw represents another encouraging result as the club continues its push for a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Méndez’s impressive debut has provided an early boost, while experienced defender Eric Bailly is also expected to strengthen the squad once he makes his first appearance.
The Crew remain within touching distance of the final playoff positions in the Eastern Conference and will hope their recent additions can help close the gap in the coming weeks.
Inter Miami will now turn their attention to their next league fixture, with fans eager to see the celebrated attacking trio of Suárez, Messi and De Paul continue building their understanding. If Suárez maintains his remarkable scoring form and Messi quickly rediscovers his rhythm after the World Cup, Inter Miami could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for MLS silverware this season.
