Brais Méndez made an immediate impact in his MLS debut by scoring a late equalizer, helping the Columbus Crew secure a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami on Saturday night. The result ended Miami’s six-game winning streak, though the team remains unbeaten in its last seven matches.
The game saw Columbus (5-8-5) capitalize on an own goal in the first half, which gave them an early advantage. However, Luis Suárez leveled for Miami in the 16th minute, marking his seventh goal of the season. The match continued with tight competition and numerous chances on both sides.
Messi’s Return Sparks Excitement but Falls Short of a Win
Lionel Messi, who recently led Argentina to a consecutive World Cup final appearance, entered the match as a substitute in the 53rd minute. Despite generating several promising scoring opportunities in the latter stages, Messi was unable to convert any into goals.
The defining moment came in the 84th minute when Méndez expertly curled a free kick from the right flank, which struck the post and went untouched into the net, securing the crucial equalizer for Columbus. This goal ensured that the Crew fought back to claim a valuable point at home.
Looking ahead, Columbus will travel to North Carolina to face Charlotte on August 15, while Miami is set to play at Nashville on the same date.