Columbus Crew Stun Inter Miami 2-1 via Jamal Thiaré Stoppage-Time Winner

Jamal Thiaré scored in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory for the Columbus Crew over Inter Miami.

The Columbus Crew defeated MLS Cup holders Inter Miami 2-1 on Sunday following a goal by substitute Jamal Thiaré in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time. Thiaré capitalized on a rebound after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo spilled a shot into his path, securing the win shortly after Miami substitute Santiago Morales received a red card. The result moves Columbus to 12th in the Eastern Conference, while Miami remains in third place, level on points with the New England Revolution.

Columbus took an early lead in the first half when former Miami striker Josef Martínez converted a penalty after being fouled in the area by Yannick Bright. Inter Miami equalized in the 33rd minute through Lionel Messi, who curled a left-footed free kick from the right wing into the far top corner. The goal marked Messi’s 12th direct free-kick score for the club and his 21st MLS goal of the season, extending his Golden Boot lead to three goals over Petar Musa.

Columbus nearly added to their tally earlier in the match, but Anass Zaroury was denied by the woodwork on three occasions. In the second half, Patrick Schulte stopped a long-distance effort from Messi to keep the score level before the late winner. The match served as one of Messi's final appearances before his international retirement, which is scheduled for an October 6 friendly between Argentina and Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium.