Inter Miami lose 2-1 to Columbus Crew as Messi's 21st goal shines

Inter Miami’s campaign suffered a setback on September 28 as Columbus Crew turned a home fixture into a 2‑1 loss. Lionel Messi’s free‑kick, his 21st of the MLS season, tied the game, but a late stoppage‑time strike by the visitors proved decisive.

Columbus took the initiative early, converting a penalty in the 28th minute to move ahead. Five minutes later, Messi, operating on the right flank, struck a curling free‑kick that found the bottom corner, restoring parity for Miami.

The second half featured a debut for Brazilian winger Riquelme Filipe, who entered in the 71st minute for Facundo Mura. The decision did not change the flow, as Columbus added a goal during stoppage time, sealing a 2‑1 victory.

Despite the loss, Miami’s overall form remains solid: 12 victories, five defeats and ten draws amount to 46 points, keeping the club in third place in the Eastern Conference. Messi continues to dominate the scoring charts with 20 goals and tops the assist table with 13, keeping his Golden Boot aspirations for 2026 alive.