Inter Miami suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew on Sunday, despite a moment of magic from Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar curled in a brilliant free-kick in the 33rd minute to level the match after Josef Martinez put Columbus ahead from the spot.
Messi’s 21st goal of the regular season sparked hope for Miami, who nearly went ahead again in the 62nd minute when Messi forced a fine save from Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Moments later, David Ayala thought he’d scored for Miami, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Columbus pressed late, with new signing Anass Zaroury twice hitting the woodwork. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Brais Mendez unleashed a stoppage-time shot that Miami keeper Rocco Rios Novo couldn’t hold. Substitute Jamal Thiare pounced on the rebound to seal all three points for the Crew.
The result leaves Inter Miami’s hopes of catching Eastern Conference leaders Nashville hanging by a thread—they’re now 14 points adrift with seven games left. Columbus, meanwhile, keep their playoff ambitions alive, sitting 12th but just four points outside the postseason spots.
