It was another unforgettable night for Lionel Messi, as the Argentine maestro delivered not one but two goals in Inter Miami’s 3-2 win over Columbus Crew. The game was the epitome of drama, Messi magic, and a few moments where even the Columbus Crew defense seemed more confused than a cat chasing a laser pointer. The win secured Inter Miami the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record, a fitting accolade in their stunning season turnaround.
While Messi is no stranger to mind-blowing goals, his free-kick stunner in this match left the internet in awe—again. If there’s one constant in the universe, it’s that Messi will keep making jaws drop, no matter how often we think we’ve seen it all.
The Messi Masterclass: Two Goals, One Stunner
For much of the first half, Messi appeared quiet by his standards. He wasn’t darting past defenders like he was still 25, nor was he launching any of those cross-field passes that make you wonder if he’s operating in a parallel dimension. That is, until the 45th minute—when Messi reminded everyone why he’s still the GOAT.
Inter Miami had been pressing, looking to break the deadlock, and then, like clockwork, Messi popped up in the box, chesting down a long ball. Sure, he got a little help from a bounce off Columbus defender Malte Amundsen, but Messi isn’t one to waste an opportunity. He calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead right before the break.
Just a few minutes later, Messi took advantage of a poorly assembled Columbus wall. Spoiler: you don’t give Messi room on a free kick. Standing over the ball like an artist sizing up his canvas, Messi curled an absolutely perfect free-kick into the top corner. Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte could only stand and watch, as motionless as a statue. And just like that, Messi had turned the game on its head.
The internet, predictably, exploded. Twitter timelines were flooded with videos of the goal, fans were in awe, and even rival supporters couldn’t help but acknowledge the sheer brilliance of the strike. It was the kind of goal that Messi makes look effortless, but we all know it takes more precision than a NASA mission to Mars.
Columbus Strikes Back—But Miami Stays Cool
Just as Inter Miami seemed to be cruising into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, Columbus Crew came out in the second half with a point to prove. Within 20 seconds of the restart, Diego Rossi latched onto a loose ball just inside the box and curled his shot into the far corner. It was a moment of brilliance from Rossi, and suddenly the game had life again.
But Columbus couldn’t savor that joy for long. Almost immediately, they handed Inter Miami their third goal on a silver platter. Patrick Schulte, perhaps rattled from Messi’s earlier magic, raced off his line to collect the ball. Unfortunately for him, defender Rudy Camacho was standing right in his path. The two collided in a moment that could have been straight out of a slapstick comedy. Enter Luis Suarez, who headed the ball into the empty net. Three goals for Miami, and the Columbus defense was left scratching their heads.
A Match of Highs and Lows for Columbus Crew
For Columbus Crew, it was a frustrating night. The defending MLS champions struggled to contain Messi’s genius and were guilty of a few too many errors at the back. Schulte’s blunder gifted Miami their third goal, and by then, the damage was done. Despite a spirited fightback, Columbus simply couldn’t claw their way back into the match.
Their second goal came too late to make a real difference, as Columbus continued to push forward in search of an equalizer. But Inter Miami’s defense, along with a solid performance from goalkeeper Drake Callender, stood firm, preserving their 3-2 lead until the final whistle.
Messi’s Moment, Yet Again
The night belonged to Lionel Messi—no surprises there. From his calm, collected opener to his jaw-dropping free-kick, Messi once again proved why he’s still the most talked-about player on the planet. His free-kick was dissected from every angle on social media, with fans and pundits alike singing his praises. And let’s be honest, is there anything better than watching Messi casually bend the laws of physics with a football?
The win also marked a significant milestone for Inter Miami, clinching the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in their history. After a rocky start to the season, this win further solidifies their remarkable transformation since Messi’s arrival. With a legend like Messi pulling the strings, the sky’s the limit for Miami.
FAQs
Inter Miami defeated Columbus Crew 3-2 in an exciting MLS match.
Lionel Messi scored two goals, including a stunning free-kick, to lead Inter Miami to victory. His performance left fans in awe, as usual.
Messi’s free-kick goal just before halftime was the standout moment. It gave Miami a 2-0 lead and ultimately set the tone for the rest of the match.
Columbus fought back with two goals but ultimately fell short, with defensive errors proving costly. They were outclassed by Messi’s brilliance.
The victory secured the Supporters’ Shield for Inter Miami, marking a significant achievement for the club and adding to their momentum going into the postseason.
Conclusion: Another Messi Masterclass in MLS
In the Columbus vs Inter Miami showdown, it was Lionel Messi who once again stole the spotlight. His two goals, including a free-kick that left Columbus’s defense dumbfounded, were enough to secure a 3-2 win for Inter Miami. With this victory, Messi and his team clinched the Supporters’ Shield, adding another chapter to what has already been a fairy-tale season for the Miami faithful.
For Columbus, it was a night of frustration, as defensive lapses and Messi’s magic left them licking their wounds. But for fans of Inter Miami, it was another reason to celebrate and marvel at Messi’s enduring genius. As we move into the MLS playoffs, one thing is certain: Messi isn’t done dazzling us yet.
