Pakistan, Aug. 3 -- Lionel Messi has made his first appearance since the FIFA World Cup final, coming off the bench in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew. The Argentinian veteran returned to the pitch for Saturday's Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture, two weeks after losing the World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey, United States.

Messi had several good scoring chances in the closing stages of the match but could not mark his return with a goal.

Kickoff was delayed for 40 minutes due to inclement weather in Miami, and when the game finally began, Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal in his last four games to put the hosts 1-0 up in the 16th minute.

Miami's former Manchester United and Real Madr...