Messi Returns to MLS After World Cup; Lewandowski Scores Debut Goals in Third Match

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), who took a break following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, failed to score in his Major League Soccer (MLS) return match.

Miami drew 2-2 in their 2026 MLS Eastern Conference Round 18 home match against the Columbus Crew held today (August 2, Korean time) at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, USA.

Having entered a rest period after playing in the North and Central American World Cup final on June 20, Messi was named on the substitute bench and stepped onto the pitch as a substitute for Daniel Finter in the 8th minute of the second half.

Resting for nearly two weeks since the World Cup final, Messi took to the field with his team leading 2-1, attempting four shots including one on target, but none resulted in goals.

Miami, which took the opening lead with Luis Suarez' conceded goal in the 16th minute of the first half, allowed a 1-1 equalizer in the 34th minute of the first half due to an own goal by midfielder Casemiro, who joined Miami last month after leaving Manchester United (England).

Miami took a 2-1 lead with Noah Allen's header during first-half stoppage time, but conceded an equalizing free kick to Columbus' Bryce Mendez in the 39th minute of the second half, ending in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, 37-year-old veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who left FC Barcelona (Spain) last June to join the Chicago Fire, scored his debut goals with a multi-goal performance in his home debut, which came in his third MLS match.

Chicago achieved a 2-1 comeback victory against Charlotte FC at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, as Lewandowski netted both the equalizer and the comeback winning goal.

After conceding the opening goal to Charlotte's Pep Biel just 18 minutes into the first half, Chicago leveled the score in the 20th minute of the first half when Lewandowski fired a right-footed shot from the front of the penalty arc.

Having played two consecutive away matches since joining Chicago, Lewandowski scored his first MLS goals in his home debut during his third match.

Finishing the first half at 1-1, Chicago secured cheers from home fans in the 23rd minute of the second half when Lewandowski penetrated the center of the penalty area and struck a right-footed comeback winning goal.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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