Argentine football star Lionel Messi scored a brilliant equalizer for Inter Miami on Sunday night, but his team ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. The match, played in Columbus, Ohio, saw Messi net a superb free-kick, though it wasn’t enough to secure points for Miami, dealing a blow to their playoff aspirations.
The crucial Major League Soccer encounter saw Columbus Crew take the lead in the 28th minute through Josef Martinez. Martinez converted a penalty after Yannick Bright fouled him inside the box, as reported by Newsday. Just five minutes later, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi equalized for Inter Miami. From approximately seven yards off the right end line, Messi curved a superb free-kick over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte’s outstretched hand, finding the net inside the back post, according to Newsday. This goal, his 21st of the regular season, marked Miami’s only shot in the first half.
Despite the early goals, the match remained tight. Messi nearly put Miami ahead in the 62nd minute, but Schulte tipped his shot over the bar. Columbus also threatened, with new Moroccan signing Anass Zaroury twice hitting the woodwork, including a spectacular long-range effort that struck the underside of the crossbar, Yahoo noted. The game seemed destined for a draw until deep into stoppage time when Columbus secured a dramatic winner.
In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Newsday reported, Columbus’s Brais Mendez unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the area. Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to secure the ball, allowing Senegalese substitute Jamal Thiare to react quickest and slam home a first-touch putback from the top of the six-yard box. The closing moments also saw Miami’s Santiago Morales receive a yellow card, followed by a red card about two minutes later, Newsday added.
Playoff Hopes Dim for Inter Miami
The defeat dealt a significant blow to Inter Miami’s already slim chances of topping the Eastern Conference. With seven regular season games remaining, Miami now trails leaders Nashville by 14 points, as Yahoo reported. Newsday indicated that Miami has recorded only one win in its last 10 games, alongside just two losses, suggesting a string of draws that have hampered their progress.
For Columbus Crew, the victory keeps their playoff aspirations alive. They currently sit in 12th position with 29 points, four points shy of the postseason places. Josef Martinez, who opened the scoring for the Crew, was noted by Newsday as having signed with the club on August 13, marking his first goal since joining.
Messi’s Unrivaled Free-Kick Prowess Globally
Beyond the immediate impact on league standings, Lionel Messi’s performance, particularly his free-kick goal, underscores his enduring global appeal and skill, which resonates with football fans and analysts worldwide. His ability to consistently deliver from set pieces, even at 39 years old, highlights a rare blend of precision and power that transcends national leagues. This sustained excellence impacts not only on-field results but also influences fan engagement, merchandise sales, and even the lucrative gaming industry.
LiveScore, referencing the latest EA FC 27 ratings, confirmed Lionel Messi remains the ‘undisputed king of free kicks’ in the popular video game. His top ranking in this specialist skill is unmatched, with no other player, including esteemed national team colleagues or other highly-rated professionals like Grimaldo and Ward-Prowse, equaling his virtual rating.
Interestingly, Messi was not initially known as a dead-ball specialist early in his career, scoring a combined 10 free-kick goals in his first six seasons. However, from the 2015-16 campaign onwards, he significantly honed this aspect of his game, netting nine free-kicks in that single year and at least three in almost every season since, according to LiveScore. His career highlights in this regard include memorable goals against world-class goalkeepers Alisson and Thibaut Courtois.
As Inter Miami faces an uphill battle in their final seven games to secure a playoff spot, the focus will remain on whether they can bridge the significant points gap. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew will aim to build on this crucial victory to push for a postseason berth. Lionel Messi’s individual brilliance, as showcased by his latest free-kick, will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences, regardless of his team’s final league position.
Image: Newsday
Sources consulted
- Yahoo: Messi on target again but Miami downed by Columbus
- Newsday: Jamal Thiaré scores in 9th minute of stoppage time, Crew beats Inter Miami and Leo Messi 2-1
- LiveScore: Lionel Messi remains the undisputed free kick GOAT according to EA FC 27
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
