Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time and a former FC Barcelona superstar, entered the game after occupying the bench for 52 minutes against the Crew Aug. 1. Miami forward Luis Suarez, another former La Liga star, recorded a goal and an ****** ist in the first half while former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro made his home debut for Miami.
But it was a former La Liga player on the Crew side who came up big late.
Making his MLS debut after the Crew acquired him during the summer transfer window, former Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez helped Columbus earn a point in a 2-2 draw by scoring a free kick roughly 20 minutes after he took the field in the 61st minute.
"I am very happy about my debut and the goal," Mendez said after the game via a translator. "... We want to keep this strong run going and earn wins to continue to move up in the table."
The Crew matched their best result against a Messi-led Miami team and prevented him from scoring in his World Cup return. The Crew will enter Leagues Cup play with solid performances in their last two games, including a 2-1 victory over rival FC Cincinnati last week.
#minutes
But it was a former La Liga player on the Crew side who came up big late.
Making his MLS debut after the Crew acquired him during the summer transfer window, former Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez helped Columbus earn a point in a 2-2 draw by scoring a free kick roughly 20 minutes after he took the field in the 61st minute.
"I am very happy about my debut and the goal," Mendez said after the game via a translator. "... We want to keep this strong run going and earn wins to continue to move up in the table."
The Crew matched their best result against a Messi-led Miami team and prevented him from scoring in his World Cup return. The Crew will enter Leagues Cup play with solid performances in their last two games, including a 2-1 victory over rival FC Cincinnati last week.
#minutes
2 months ago
