Messi stunning free-kick Inter Miami produced a spectacular equaliser, but Columbus Crew eventually defeated Miami 2-1 after dramatic stoppage-time action. Josef Martínez opened scoring for Columbus from the penalty spot before Messi responded with an extraordinary free-kick from an angle.
The Argentine superstar’s stunning strike arrived in the 33rd minute, sending the ball beyond goalkeeper Patrick Schulte into the net. Columbus continued creating dangerous opportunities, eventually finding their decisive breakthrough during the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Jamal Thiaré delivered the dramatic winner after Brais Méndez’s effort was parried, allowing him to finish from close range. Despite controlling 56 percent possession, Inter Miami struggled to create enough dangerous chances against an organized Columbus defensive structure throughout.
The Crew registered fourteen shots compared with Miami’s five, while seven Columbus attempts tested the goalkeeper during the contest. Miami’s latest defeat extends their difficult run, with the Herons recording only one victory across their previous ten matches.
That record includes six draws and three defeats, leaving Miami searching for greater consistency despite Messi’s continued individual contributions this season. Messi remains among MLS’s leading attacking players, entering the match with 21 goals and 13 assists across the campaign.
His latest goal also continued a productive personal run, marking his fourth consecutive match with a goal for Inter Miami. However, individual brilliance could not rescue Miami from another disappointing result as Columbus produced the decisive moment when victory mattered most.
Inter Miami must now regroup and improve their attacking efficiency after creating only five shots throughout a frustrating night against Columbus. Meanwhile, Columbus secured their first MLS victory over Inter Miami since August 2022, ending a lengthy wait against Messi’s side.
The result leaves Miami with plenty to address as they attempt to rediscover momentum during the closing stages of MLS. For Messi, another spectacular goal provided a memorable individual highlight, but the superstar ultimately left Columbus without securing victory.
The defeat underlines Miami’s recent struggles, where remarkable Messi moments have not consistently translated into positive results for the team.
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