Messi’s swift MLS return after World Cup final loss

Lionel Messi stepped back onto the pitch for Inter Miami on Saturday night, less than two weeks after the Argentine’s 1‑0 extra‑time loss in the Coupe du monde 2026 final against Spain in New York. The match formed part of the 18th round of MLS, featuring 14 games across the league.

Les stars of MLS were all present: Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lenwandowski, Son Heung‑min, Thomas Müller, Luis Suarez, Casemiro and Marco Reus joined the line‑up for an immense Saturday evening.

Messi entered the game before the hour mark (53’) but failed to find a winner, and the match was levelled by Ohio’s Brais Mendez in the 84th minute, ending 2‑2.

The first half saw Luis Suarez open the scoring in the 16th minute, while Casemiro, the new arrival, put his own team behind with an own‑goal in the 34th.

Inter Miami remain second in the overall table, two points adrift of Nashville, who also shared points in their 2‑2 draw against DC United.

Antoine Griezmann suffered his first MLS defeat with Orlando City after two opening wins. He recorded his first MLS assist, setting up Griffin Dorsey in the 63rd minute, but the team fell 3‑2 to the New York Red Bulls.

Robert Lenwandowski opened his MLS goal tally with a brace as Chicago Fire beat Charlotte 2‑1.

A showcase match pitted the Vancouver Whitecaps of Thomas Müller against Los Angeles FC of Son Heung‑min, finishing 1‑1. Son scored from a Denis Bouanga service, and Müller equalised from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.

Heung’s impact and the presence of Mondialistes across the league underscored the global appeal of MLS this weekend.