Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action after World Cup duty on Saturday, coming on in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew in a closely contested encounter.

Two weeks after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi was back on the pitch, entering in the 53rd minute to the delight of fans at Miami’s Nu Stadium. The Argentine forward received a warm reception as supporters welcomed back one of football’s biggest stars following his international commitments.

But Messi could not mark his return with a goal, twice shooting wide as Miami struggled to hold onto their advantage in the closing stages. The result extended his wait for a goal since returning from the global tournament.

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez continued his impressive run of form, scoring his seventh goal in his last four games to put Miami ahead in the 16th minute. The veteran forward has been a key figure in Miami’s attack, providing consistency and experience alongside Messi.

Miami’s former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the 34th minute, allowing Columbus to draw level at 1-1. Suarez then turned provider, setting up Noah Allen to head Miami into a 2-1 half-time lead.

However, Columbus refused to surrender and midfielder Brais Mendez, making his debut after arriving from Real Sociedad in Spain, produced a moment of quality by curling in a second equalizer from an 84th-minute free-kick.

The draw ended Miami’s six-match winning streak and kept them in second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville, who also drew 2-2 with DC United. Miami will now look to regain their winning momentum as the regular season enters its decisive stages.

In the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps remained level at the top after playing out a 1-1 draw at Vancouver’s BC Place.

Son Heung-min extended his scoring streak since the MLS resumed after the World Cup to four goals in four matches, giving Los Angeles the lead in the 37th minute. However, Vancouver’s German star Thomas Mueller converted a 76th-minute penalty to secure a point for the home side.

The former Tottenham star Son, who had shouldered much of the blame for South Korea’s failure to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup, also earned MVP honors in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday.