Columbus Crew defeats Inter Miami 2-1 with stoppage-time goal; Messi scores 76th career free kick

Columbus Crew secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Sunday night in Major League Soccer's 2026 regular season, with Jamal Thiaré scoring the decisive goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time. The match saw three goals across its duration: Josef Martínez opened the scoring for Columbus from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after defender Yannick Bright fouled him in the box, five minutes later Lionel Messi equalized with a curling free kick from near the right corner in the 33rd minute, and Thiaré converted a rebound after Brais Méndez's shot was parried by goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Messi's free kick was his 76th career free kick goal, moving him closer to the all-time record of 78 held by former Brazilian player Marcelinho Carioca. The Argentine superstar, aged 39, currently leads MLS in goals (21) and assists (13, tied with four others) for the season. Despite his equalizer, Messi could not prevent Miami's loss. The Herons were also affected by a red card shown to Santiago Morales in the second half of stoppage time.

Columbus dominated possession and chance creation, holding 46 percent possession but outshootings Miami 14-5 overall and 7-3 on target. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made two saves for the Crew, while Rocco Ríos Novo recorded five saves for Miami. Martínez, signed by Columbus on August 13, scored on his debut for the club. The loss leaves Miami trailing Eastern Conference leaders Nashville by 14 points with seven regular season games remaining. Columbus, meanwhile, sits in 12th place on 29 points, four points outside the playoff positions.