Jamal Thiaré scored in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to give the Columbus Crew a stunning 2-1 win over MLS Cup holders Inter Miami on Sunday.
Ahead of his farewell to the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi continued to show he has plenty to offer by scoring a free kick from an improbable angle in the first half to seemingly give Miami a share of the points.
But just moments from the final whistle, and shortly after a red card for Miami substitute Santiago Morales, Columbus substitute Thiaré scored on the rebound after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo spilled a shot into his path.
The late drama overshadowed what was another memorable moment from Miami’s No. 10.
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Messi, 39, will play his final match in his national team’s jersey when Argentina take on Benin in an Oct. 6 friendly at Buenos Aires‘ Monumental Stadium, following his announcement in late August that he was ending his international career.
But before heading to Argentina, he gave Miami fans something to savor in Ohio.
From a set piece wide on the right wing and with most of those in the stadium, including those in the Columbus defense, surely expecting a cross, Messi’s left foot sent the ball curling wickedly into the far top corner of the net.
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The 33rd-minute effort was Messi’s 12th direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami in all competitions and sixth this season. He now has 21 goals in MLS this year, extending his lead at the top of the Golden Boot race to three goals over FC Dallas’ Petar Musa.
Messi had chances to add to that tally in the second half but was denied from distance by Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and put another effort into the side netting.
Miami had trailed for just five minutes in the first half, falling behind when its former striker Josef Martínez converted a penalty after he was fouled in the area by Yannick Bright.
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But Columbus will likely feel the late win was justified after Anass Zaroury was denied by the woodwork on three separate occasions.
The result leaves Miami in third place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with second-placed New England Revolution and 14 points behind runaway leaders Nashville SC.
The win could be significant for Columbus, taking the team up to 12th in the East and keeping it in the running for a playoff spot.
