Columbus Crew stun Inter Miami, Messi in 2-1 thriller decided late
The Columbus Crew secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Miami after Jamal Thiaré scored a late goal to counter Messi tally off free kick.
Columbus Crew stunned Inter Miami in a thrilling 2-1 victory at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, with Lionel Messi playing the full match. Messi started the game, scored a beautiful goal, and was a key player throughout. The match was decided late by Jamal Thiaré, who scored the winner in the 98th minute with Inter Miami temporarily down a player due to a red card.
The win gives the Crew the lead in the season series against Miami, which began with a 2-2 draw in Miami on August 1. The win also brings Columbus within four points of the final playoff spot in the MLS Eastern Conference. Josef Martinez scored the Crew's opening goal with a penalty kick in the 28th minute, giving the Crew a 1-0 lead.
Messi equalized just five minutes later with a free kick. The game remained tied at the half, but the second half saw increasing tension as Inter Miami's Santiago Morales was sent off for a second yellow card in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Two minutes after Morales's dismissal, Thiaré scored the Crew's second goal off a rebound from Brais Mendez, securing the victory for the Crew.
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