Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday, 28 September 2026. Lionel Messi scored a superb equaliser in the 33rd minute with a well-taken free-kick, but it was not enough to prevent the loss. Josef Martínez had put Columbus ahead from the penalty spot five minutes earlier, giving the home team an early lead.
Messi almost put Miami ahead in the 62nd minute when he burst forward and shot at goal, only to see his effort tipped over by Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. This was one of several attempts by Messi to get his team back in the lead, but Miami were unable to capitalise on the momentum. The game remained evenly poised, with both teams creating chances.
Columbus looked lively at the other end, with new Moroccan signing Anass Zaroury twice hitting the woodwork, including with one spectacular long-range effort that cannoned off the underside of the bar. The Moroccan player's efforts were a boost to the Columbus team, who were seeking to get back in the hunt for a playoff place. Zaroury's performance was a notable highlight of the game.
Miami thought they had taken the lead moments later when substitute David Ayala darted clear of the Columbus back four and crashed a shot past Schulte at the near post. However, the goal was chalked off after Ayala was ruled fractionally offside. This was a disappointing blow to Miami, who had been seeking to get back in the game.
The game looked to be heading for a draw, but deep into stoppage time Columbus grabbed a winner. Brais Mendez unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the area which Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to secure. This allowed Senegalese substitute Jamal Thiare to react quickest and lash home the close-range finish to secure all three points for Columbus.
The defeat dealt another blow to Miami's already faint hopes of catching Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference. Miami now trail leaders Nashville by 14 points with seven games of the regular season remaining. This makes it increasingly difficult for Miami to catch up and secure a top spot in the conference.
Columbus meanwhile remain in the hunt for a playoff place, and are in 12th spot on 29 points – four points outside the postseason places. The win was a significant boost to their chances, and they will look to build on this momentum in their remaining games. The result keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored a superb equaliser but could not prevent Inter Miami from suffering a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday.
- The defeat dealt another blow to Miami's already faint hopes of catching Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference.
- Columbus remain in the hunt for a playoff place, and are in 12th spot on 29 points – four points outside the postseason places.
