Washington, Aug. 3 (SANA)LionelMessireturned to action forInter Miamion Sunday, making his first appearance since Argentina’s defeat toSpain in the 2026 FIFA World Cupfinal.

TheArgentine captaincame on as a second-half substitute to a warm reception from fans in Miami as Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.Luis Suárezwas among the standout performers for the home side.

Messi, who captained Argentina to the2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar,was unable to mark his return with a goal, sending two efforts wide of the target.

The draw ended Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak but kept the club second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings behind Nashville, which also drew 2-2 with D.C. United.