Messi's Stunning Free-Kick Not Enough as Columbus Edge Inter Miami 2-1

Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance with a spectacular free-kick, but Inter Miami were denied a point as Columbus Crew snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

Playing at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus took the lead in the 28th minute when former Inter Miami forward Josef Martínez converted a penalty. It was Martínez's first goal for the Crew after joining the club in August.

Just five minutes later, Messi responded with one of the standout goals of the match. From a remarkably tight angle on the right side, close to the end line, the 39-year-old curled a left-footed free-kick over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the far side of the net to make it 1-1.

The strike was Messi's 21st MLS goal of the 2026 regular season, extending his lead in the Golden Boot race. It also took his career tally of direct free-kick goals to 76, according to widely cited statistical tallies. That puts him within two of the 78-goal mark commonly attributed to Brazilian great Marcelinho Carioca, although historical free-kick tallies vary depending on the criteria used.

Messi had another opportunity to put Miami ahead in the second half, but Schulte denied his effort. Columbus also created several chances, with Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo making five saves to keep the visitors in the contest.

The match appeared destined to finish 1-1 before late drama changed everything. Miami substitute Santiago Morales was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, leaving Inter Miami with 10 players. In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Brais Méndez's effort was saved, but Thiaré reacted quickest to the rebound and fired Columbus ahead.

The statistics reflected Columbus' greater attacking output. The Crew recorded 14 shots, including seven on target, while Miami managed only five shots and three on target. Columbus had 45.5% possession, with Miami holding 54.5%.

The defeat extended Inter Miami's MLS winless run to five matches. Miami had drawn its previous four league games and has now recorded just one victory in its last 10 MLS matches. Despite the difficult run, Messi continues to lead the league's scoring charts and remains a central figure in Miami's push toward the playoffs.

For Columbus, the victory provided an important boost in its playoff pursuit. Jamal Thiaré's late winner ensured that Messi's extraordinary free-kick would ultimately count for little in the result, despite giving the visitors a glimpse of individual brilliance.