The match began with Columbus seizing the initiative in the 28th minute when Josef Martínez converted a penalty. However, the lead was short-lived as Messi responded just five minutes later. Positioned on the right flank at an exceptionally tight angle, the forward curled a dead-ball effort directly into the net, marking his 21st goal of the regular season and drawing his side level.
Late Drama Seals Columbus Victory
The second half saw both sides pushing for a breakthrough. Messi nearly put his team in front in the 62nd minute, forcing a sharp save from Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Shortly after, substitute David Ayala appeared to have found the net for Miami, but the effort was disallowed following a marginal offside call. Columbus remained a constant threat throughout the half, with new signing Anass Zaroury twice striking the woodwork, including a powerful long-range attempt that rattled the underside of the crossbar.
As the game approached the final whistle, it appeared destined for a stalemate. However, in the dying moments of stoppage time, Columbus found the decisive goal. Brais Mendez fired a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area that Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo could not hold, allowing substitute Jamal Thiare to react quickest and fire home the rebound to secure all three points.
The result leaves Inter Miami trailing Eastern Conference leaders Nashville by 14 points with only seven regular-season matches remaining. For Columbus, the victory provides a vital boost to their postseason aspirations, moving them to 29 points and keeping them within four points of the playoff positions as they sit in 12th place.
