Messi’s Magic Not Enough as Columbus Stun Inter Miami 2-1

Lionel Messi was on target once again, but Inter Miami suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Sunday’s Major League Soccer clash.

Messi cancelled out Josef Martinez’s early penalty with a brilliant free-kick in the 33rd minute, five minutes after Columbus had taken the lead from the spot.

The goal was Messi’s 21st of the regular season, but the Argentina star’s latest strike was not enough to earn Miami a point.

Messi nearly put Inter Miami in front in the 62nd minute after powering forward and firing towards goal, only for Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to push the effort over the bar.

Miami then thought they had completed the comeback when substitute David Ayala broke clear and beat Schulte with a shot at the near post.

Their celebrations were short-lived, however, as Ayala was ruled fractionally offside and the goal was disallowed.

Columbus threatened repeatedly at the other end, with Moroccan newcomer Anass Zaroury twice finding the woodwork. One spectacular effort from distance struck the underside of the crossbar.

Just when the match appeared set to finish level, Columbus found a dramatic winner in stoppage time.

Brais Mendez sent a curling effort from the edge of the area towards the Miami goal, but goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo could not hold it.

Jamal Thiare pounced on the loose ball and smashed home from close range to give Columbus all three points.

The result leaves Inter Miami 14 points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, with seven games left in the regular season, dealing another blow to their hopes of catching the leaders.

Columbus remain in the race for a playoff spot despite sitting 12th with 29 points, four points adrift of the postseason places.

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