Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Saturday, making his first appearance since Argentina's World Cup final defeat 13 days earlier.
The Argentine captain began the match on the bench before entering in the 53rd minute of Miami's entertaining 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium.
Messi replaced Dániel Pintér and was greeted with a standing ovation from the home supporters, who welcomed their superstar back after his sixth World Cup campaign.
The 39-year-old nearly made an instant impact just three minutes after coming on. Latching onto a pass from Luis Suárez inside the right side of the penalty area, Messi unleashed a trademark left-footed effort that narrowly missed the near post, leaving fans stunned.
Inter Miami had looked in control thanks to an impressive first-half display from Suárez. The experienced Uruguayan opened the scoring with a remarkable long-range first-time strike over Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte before setting up Noah Allen to restore Miami's lead just before halftime.
Despite settling for a draw, Inter Miami remain only two points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.
The Herons will now turn their attention to the Leagues Cup, where they are scheduled to host Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday before facing Monterrey and León in the group stage.
