The match, part of MLS’ Sunday Night Soccer slate, was a tense contest that saw two significant shifts in momentum. Columbus took the lead in the 28th minute when Josef Martínez converted a penalty. However, Inter Miami responded swiftly, with captain Lionel Messi leveling the score five minutes later. Messi’s goal, a spectacular free kick from a tight angle on the right side of the pitch, was a testament to his enduring individual brilliance. The strike increased his season tally to 21 goals, extending his lead in the race for the 2026 MLS Golden Boot.
Despite Messi’s heroics, Inter Miami struggled to break down the Columbus defense in the second half. The visitors, who entered the match on a four-game winless streak that had ended their hopes for the Supporters’ Shield, failed to convert their possession advantage. Statistical data from the match showed Inter Miami held 54.5% of possession, but they managed only five shots on goal compared to Columbus’ 14. The Crew’s goalkeeper made two saves, while the defensive line held firm against the Herons’ attacking threat, which included a debut appearance for recently signed Brazilian winger Riquelme Fillipi, who entered the game in the 71st minute.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time, when Thiaré found the net for the winning goal. The victory was particularly significant for Columbus, who had been stagnant in 14th place with only two wins in their previous eight league matches. The win marked their second consecutive league victory of the season, a rare achievement in a difficult campaign. More importantly, it moved the Crew within four points of ninth-place New York City FC, keeping their hopes for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs alive with eight regular-season games remaining.
Interim head coach Laurent Courtois acknowledged the importance of the result, noting that the team not only delivered a strong performance but secured the three points necessary for their postseason push. “It was important, especially before a mini break, to have not only the performance but the key moments and also the three points,” Courtois stated. The win also provided momentum ahead of the US Open Cup final, where Columbus will host St. Louis CITY SC on October 21.
“I want to just help my team. I want to bring some energy because we work really hard during the week, so we know what we can do on Saturday or Sunday. So that happened tonight. I’m so happy, and I would like to say this for the fans: they continue to come every night. We need them, and we know what we can do with them.” — Jamal Thiaré
For Inter Miami, the result was a frustrating setback. Although Messi continues to dominate the Golden Boot race, the team’s inability to win during this four-game skid has left them third in the Eastern Conference, trailing first-place Nashville by 14 points. The Herons returned from the match without their goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and striker Germán Berterame, who were on international duty, though Messi was available to play as he prepares for a farewell match for Argentina against Benin on October 6.
The contrast in trajectories was stark: Columbus, previously struggling, now looks like a potential playoff contender, while Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions, faces the challenge of reigniting their form. The next test for both teams arrives on October 10, when Columbus will travel to face Orlando City, and Inter Miami will host D.C. United at Nu Stadium. For the Crew, the focus remains on consolidating their position in the standings, while for Miami, the pressure is on to end a run of draws that has sidelined them from the top of the table.
Thiaré’s late strike at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field stands as a defining moment for the Crew’s late-season revival, proving that even against a star-studded opponent, tactical discipline and resilience can decide the outcome of a high-stakes MLS encounter.
