Casemiro marked his Inter Miami home debut with an own goal as the MLS side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew on Saturday, with Lionel Messi returning to club action for the first time since Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
The 34-year-old Brazilian joined Inter Miami on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season. He had started well, completing the full match in a 1-0 win at Montreal on July 26.
His home debut at the Nu Stadium turned sour on 34 minutes. After giving away possession in his own half, a sequence involving Hugo Picard, Daniel Gazdag and Taha Habroune ended with Casemiro diverting a low cross past goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. He was later booked for a foul on Sekou Bangoura.
Inter Miami had taken the lead through a long-range Luis Suarez strike, and Noah Allen restored their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.
Messi came on in the 53rd minute to a rapturous reception, his first appearance since captaining Argentina to their World Cup final defeat by Spain on July 19. The 39-year-old immediately took the armband from Suarez but could not prevent Brais Mendez levelling for Columbus, curling a free-kick off the post and into the net in the 84th minute.
The draw ended Inter Miami’s six-game winning streak, though they are now unbeaten in seven matches. The game was delayed 40 minutes due to inclement weather.
