In Columbus, where the late-summer MLS schedule carried on beneath the lights at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Lionel Messi left Inter Miami with another landmark free-kick but without the result he wanted. Columbus Crew claimed a 2-1 win on Sunday, ending Miami’s final fixture before Messi joins Argentina for the international window.
Josef Martínez put the Crew ahead from the penalty spot after 28 minutes. Miami’s answer arrived five minutes later in the familiar shape of a Messi moment: from the right side of the attacking third, he curled a free-kick over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the net.
The strike took Messi to 12 goals in 13 appearances since this year’s World Cup, where Argentina finished runners-up after losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. It was also the 931st goal of his senior career for club and country.
A costly finish for Miami
Inter Miami’s evening turned in stoppage time when midfielder Santiago Morales was sent off. With the visitors reduced to 10 men, Columbus found the deciding goal moments later through Jamal Thiaré.
Messi now heads to the Argentina squad for what will be his farewell during this FIFA-date gathering. In Miami, Casemiro, Luis Suárez and the rest of the side remain focused on the domestic run-in after a setback that leaves them third in the Eastern Conference.
Miami stay on 46 points, 14 behind conference leaders Nashville SC. Columbus, despite the victory at home, sit 12th in the standings.
