Messi on target again but Miami downed by Columbus

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF attempts a shot on target against Malte Amundsen #18 of Columbus Crew during the MLS match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on September 27, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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Lionel Messi scored a brilliant equalizer but could not prevent Inter Miami suffering a costly 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

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Argentina superstar Messi curled in a superb free-kick in the 33rd minute to silence the Columbus home crowd after Josef Martinez had fired Crew ahead from the penalty spot five minutes earlier.

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But Messi’s 21st goal of the regular season proved to be in vain as Crew dug deep to frustrate Inter Miami for long periods.

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Messi almost put Miami ahead in the 62nd minute when he burst forward and shot at goal, only to see his effort tipped over by Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

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Miami thought they had taken the lead moments later when substitute David Ayala darted clear of the Columbus back four and crashed a shot past Schulte at the near post.

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But the goal was chalked off after Ayala was ruled fractionally offside.

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Columbus meanwhile looked lively at the other end, and new Moroccan signing Anass Zaroury twice hitting the woodwork, including with one spectacular long-range effort that cannoned off the underside of the bar.

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The game looked to be heading for a draw but deep into stoppage time Columbus grabbed a winner.

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Brais Mendez unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the area which Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to secure.

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Senegalese substitute Jamal Thiare reacted quickest and lashed home the close-range finish to secure all three points for Columbus.

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The defeat dealt another blow to Miami’s already faint hopes of catching Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference.

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Miami now trail leaders Nashville by 14 points with seven games of the regular season remaining.

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Columbus meanwhile remain in the hunt for a playoff place, and are in 12th spot on 29 points – four points outside the postseason places.

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AFP

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