Published : 28 Sep 2026, 03:21 PM
Updated : 28 Sep 2026, 03:21 PM
Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami, but Columbus Crew struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a dramatic 2-1 MLS victory on Sunday.
Josef Martinez put Columbus ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, only for Messi to respond five minutes later with a curling free-kick that MLS described as one of his finest goals for Miami.
The goal was Messi’s 76th direct free-kick goal, according to widely cited statistical tallies, putting him within two of Marcelinho Carioca’s 78, although historical counts vary and some lists still credit Juninho Pernambucano with 77.
The match appeared headed for a draw until Jamal Thiare struck in the 98th minute to give Columbus a crucial win in their push for a playoff place.
The late winner sparked wild celebrations among a record crowd of 21,188 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and gave the Crew consecutive league victories for only the second time this season.
The result moved Columbus to within four points of ninth-placed New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
For Miami, the defeat took some of the shine off another moment of Messi brilliance.
The 39-year-old had entered the match with 20 MLS goals and 13 assists this season after becoming only the second player in league history to score at least 20 goals in three successive campaigns.
He had also recently scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions in their Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul, before taking his tally to 101 in the following league game against San Diego.
