Lionel Messi scored a spectacular free-kick but was unable to prevent Inter Miami from suffering a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday, with a stoppage-time winner dealing another blow to Miami’s hopes of catching Eastern Conference leaders Nashville.
Messi, who netted his 21st goal of the regular season, brought Miami level in the 33rd minute after Josef Martinez had given Columbus the lead from the penalty spot five minutes earlier.
The Argentine superstar curled a superb free-kick into the net to silence the home crowd and restore parity for the visitors.
However, despite Messi’s moment of brilliance, Miami struggled to find a decisive breakthrough as Columbus defended resolutely and created several dangerous opportunities of their own.
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Miami Denied by Goalkeeper and Offside Decision
Messi nearly put Inter Miami ahead in the 62nd minute when he surged forward and unleashed a powerful effort, but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte produced an excellent save to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Miami appeared to have completed the turnaround moments later when substitute David Ayala broke through the Columbus defence and fired past Schulte at the near post.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside decision.
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Columbus also threatened throughout the contest, with new Moroccan signing Anass Zaroury coming particularly close to scoring on two occasions.
Zaroury struck the woodwork twice, including with a spectacular long-range effort that crashed against the underside of the crossbar, leaving Miami fortunate to escape without conceding.
Thiare Strikes Late to Secure Columbus Victory
With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Columbus delivered a decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Brais Mendez unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area, forcing Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo into an attempted save.
However, the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball, allowing Senegalese substitute Jamal Thiare to react quickly and fire home from close range.
Thiare’s dramatic finish secured all three points for Columbus and left Miami facing another disappointing result in their pursuit of the Eastern Conference leaders.
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Miami’s Playoff Challenge
The defeat further dented Inter Miami’s already slim hopes of catching Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, with just seven regular-season matches remaining.
Miami now trail Nashville by 14 points, leaving them with a significant gap to overcome as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
For Columbus Crew, the victory provides a valuable boost in their pursuit of a postseason place.
The club remain 12th in the Eastern Conference with 29 points, four points adrift of the playoff positions, and will be looking to build on the late triumph as they seek to keep their postseason hopes alive.
