Messi returns in the 53rd minute as Miami draw 2-2 with Columbus

Lionel Messi is back in competitive action for Inter Miami. He came off the bench in the 53rd minute of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew, his first club appearance since Argentina's World Cup final. 1 2

The return was a cameo rather than a start. Messi replaced Dániel Pintér, and three minutes later he met a Luis Suárez pass on the right side of the box before shooting wide. ESPN's report also notes that Messi had several late attempts as Miami pushed for a winner. The verified reports do not credit him with a goal, assist, card, or award. 2 1

The draw ended Inter Miami's club-record six-game winning streak, but it extended the team's unbeaten run to seven regular-season matches. Miami now has 38 points, two behind Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield leader Nashville SC. 3

Luis Suárez supplied the headline production, scoring from long range and assisting Noah Allen's first-half header. Columbus equalized in the 84th minute through Brais Méndez, leaving Miami with a point despite having Messi on the field for the closing stretch. 1

Inter Miami's next listed match is the Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET, which is Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 a.m. Asia/Shanghai. The club confirms the fixture, but the retrieved update does not confirm Messi's selection or whether he will start. 1

Bottom line: Messi's club comeback has happened. The next question is whether Miami increases his workload in the Leagues Cup.