Messi on target again but Miami downed by Columbus

Lionel Messi struck again, but Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat at Columbus Crew on Sunday left the MLS team further from its top-of-table ambitions. Messi curled in a free kick to equalize in the 33rd minute, his 21st goal of the regular season, after Josef Martinez put Columbus ahead from the penalty spot five minutes earlier. Inter Miami thought it had gone ahead through substitute David Ayala, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Columbus continued to frustrate Miami, with new Moroccan signing Anass Zaroury hitting the woodwork twice, including a long-range effort. In stoppage time, Brais Mendez curled one in from the edge and Jamal Thiare finished quickly to secure the winner. The loss leaves Miami 14 points behind Nashville with seven games left, while Columbus sits 12th on 29 points, four off the playoff line.