Columbus Crew SC defeated Inter Miami CF 2-1 in a dramatic late finish on Sunday, with Jamal Thiaré scoring in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to secure the win. The goal came shortly after Miami substitute Santiago Morales received a red card, and followed a rebound off goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo after a Columbus shot. Earlier, Lionel Messi had given Miami ahead with a stunning free-kick goal from a wide angle in the 33rd minute, curling the ball into the far top corner.

It was his 12th direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami and sixth of the season, extending his MLS Golden Boot lead to 21 goals. Miami had taken the lead after a penalty by former striker Josef Martínez, who converted after being fouled by Yannick Bright. Columbus had chances to equalize earlier, with Anass Zaroury hitting the woodwork three times.

The late win moved Columbus to 12th in the Eastern Conference, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while Miami remains third, level on points with New England Revolution but 14 behind Nashville SC.