Lionel Messi scored a spectacular free-kick, but Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat against Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on September 27. Jamal Thiaré scored the winner deep into stoppage time to give Columbus all three points.The match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field saw Messi produce another standout moment, but Inter Miami could not hold on for a draw after Columbus struck in the final minutes.Key HighlightsLionel Messi scored Inter Miami’s only goal against Columbus Crew.Messi’s 33rd-minute free-kick made it 1-1.Josef Martínez opened the scoring from the penalty spot.Jamal Thiaré scored the winner in stoppage time.Messi moved to 21 MLS goals in the 2026 regular season.Inter Miami remain third in the Eastern Conference with 46 points.Columbus moved to 29 points and stayed in the playoff race.Messi Scores From a Tight AngleColumbus took the lead in the 28th minute after Josef Martínez converted a penalty. The former Inter Miami forward sent goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo the wrong way to put the hosts ahead.Five minutes later, Messi produced the highlight of the match. From a free-kick positioned wide on the right side of the penalty area, the Argentine forward curled the ball over the defensive wall and into the far corner. Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was unable to reach the effort as Inter Miami levelled the score at 1-1.The goal was Messi’s 21st in the 2026 MLS regular season and extended his lead at the top of the league’s scoring chart.Inter Miami Miss Chance to Take the LeadInter Miami had opportunities to go ahead after the break. Messi came close in the 62nd minute, but Schulte made a save to deny his attempt.David Ayala also appeared to put Miami ahead shortly afterwards, but the goal was ruled out for offside.Columbus continued to threaten and eventually found the decisive goal in the closing moments.Jamal Thiaré Scores Late WinnerWith the match heading towards a 1-1 draw, Columbus created the winning opportunity deep into stoppage time.Brais Méndez's shot was saved by Ríos Novo, but the rebound fell to substitute Jamal Thiaré, who finished from close range to make it 2-1. The goal came in the ninth minute of stoppage time.Inter Miami also finished the match with 10 players after Santiago Morales received a second yellow card and was sent off in stoppage time.Inter Miami's MLS PositionDespite the defeat, Inter Miami remain in third place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. The team has seven regular-season matches remaining.Columbus, meanwhile, moved to 29 points and remained in contention for a playoff place. The Crew also extended their recent run with another MLS victory.Inter Miami's next MLS match is against D.C. United on October 10, while Columbus are scheduled to face Orlando City on the same date.Messi's Latest MLS MilestoneMessi's goal against Columbus was his 21st of the 2026 MLS regular season. His latest strike also continued his scoring run across consecutive league matches.The result, however, extended Inter Miami's wait for another MLS victory, leaving the club focused on its remaining regular-season fixtures ahead of the playoffs.
