Home Debut Turns Sour For Casemiro
Lionel Messi finally returned to Inter Miami action on Saturday, yet the occasion turned bittersweet after Casemiro’s own goal cost the Herons a home win. The Brazilian midfielder endured a nightmare first appearance in front of Miami’s home crowd, gifting possession away before turning the ball into his own net just minutes later. Cameras captured Messi’s visible reaction pitchside, underscoring how frustrating the moment felt for everyone watching from the bench.
Inter Miami had started brightly, taking the lead through Luis Suarez’s audacious long range effort in the sixteenth minute. That strike marked his seventh goal in just four appearances, continuing his blistering scoring form this season. However, Columbus Crew hit back almost instantly when Casemiro’s error levelled things at 1-1 during the thirty fourth minute.
Messi himself entered as a substitute in the fifty third minute, receiving a huge ovation from the sold out stadium. Playing his first club match since Argentina’s World Cup final defeat, he came agonisingly close to marking his return with a goal, curling an effort just wide of the near post. Despite that miss, his introduction lifted the atmosphere considerably, even as the scoreline remained tight throughout the second half.
Late Drama Denies Miami Full Points
Noah Allen restored Miami’s lead before halftime, converting from close range after more good work from Suarez. That goal appeared set to secure a much needed home win for the Herons. Nevertheless, Columbus refused to fold quietly, and Brais Mendez delivered a stunning free kick from distance in the eighty fourth minute to snatch a share of the spoils.
The 2-2 draw leaves Inter Miami still chasing Nashville SC at the Eastern Conference summit, trailing by two points. Attention now shifts toward Leagues Cup action, where Messi will hope to rediscover his sharpness after the World Cup layoff. For continued MLS coverage, fans can visit KCPredict’s football news section. Additional match detail was first reported via ESPN, covering Messi’s near miss chance in detail.