Stoppage-Time 8th-Minute Winner! Messi's Curled Free Kick Equalizer in Vain as Columbus Crew Upset Inter Miami 2-1

On Sunday local time, Columbus Crew defeated MLS Cup defending champions Inter Miami 2-1 in an upset thanks to substitute Jamal Thiare's tap-in in the 8th minute of stoppage time. Prior to the goal, Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios-Novo made a handling error during a save, allowing the quick Thiare to follow up with a push finish. At that moment, Inter Miami substitute Santiago Morales had just been shown a red card and sent off, leaving the situation on the field extremely chaotic.

The most eye-catching individual performance belonged once again to Messi. In the 33rd minute, Inter Miami won a free kick on the right side of the opponent's half. Most observers expected he would choose to cross the ball, but the Argentine number 10 struck it unexpectedly with his left foot in a beautifully curled shot. The ball traced an elegant arc into the far upper corner of the goal, leveling the score at 1-1. Prior to that, Columbus Crew had taken the lead after Josef Martinez was fouled by Yannik Braithwaite in the penalty area, and Martinez himself converted the penalty kick to open the scoring. Inter Miami were only 5 minutes behind before Messi pulled level.

According to statistics, this is Messi's 12th direct free kick goal in all official competitions since joining Inter Miami, and his 6th this season. His total MLS goal count has risen to 21, leading FC Dallas forward Peter Musa by 3 goals, firmly in the top spot on the league's scorers' list.

In the second half, Messi attempted to extend Inter Miami's lead, but a long-range shot was saved by Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, while another shot missed the target, hitting the side netting. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew player Anas Zarour had three shots in the second half that all hit the frame and bounced off, making the stoppage-time winner all the more hard-earned.

Messi is about to end his international career. On October 6 local time, he will play against Benin for Argentina at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, which will be his final match representing the national team. Messi had officially announced his retirement from the national team at the end of August. Before departing for Argentina, he delivered this classic free kick goal for Inter Miami's supporters in Ohio.

After this defeat, Inter Miami remain in third place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with New England Revolution and 14 points behind leaders Nashville SC. Columbus Crew climbed to 12th in the East with this victory, still maintaining hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.