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Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Columbus Crew: Messi’s Free-Kick Shines but Morales’ Red Costs the Team

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick for Inter Miami, yet the team fell 2-1 to Columbus Crew after a late red card for Santiago Morales tipped the balance. Jamal Thiare netted a 98th-minute winner, sealing the victory for the hosts at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

The match tested Miami’s 3-4-3 formation, which aimed to give Messi creative freedom but struggled defensively in the final moments. Despite holding 56% possession, Miami managed only three shots on target. The game unraveled when Morales received two quick yellow cards, reducing Miami to ten men just before stoppage time ended.

Messi's 33rd-minute equalizer cancelled out an early penalty goal by Josef Martinez, but Miami could not hold on. Morales' dismissal opened the door for Columbus, and Thiare capitalized with a clinical finish deep into added time.

Goalkeeper & Defense

  • Rocco Rios Novo - 6/10: Made four key saves and showed sharp reflexes, though he was helpless against the penalty and the late winning goal.
  • Gonzalo Lujan - 5/10: Faced challenges keeping up with Columbus’ forwards, picked up a late yellow card, and was part of the defense that collapsed in stoppage time.
  • Casemiro - 4/10: Out of position and lacking mobility, Casemiro struggled against fast runners, often targeted by the opposition.
  • Micael - 6/10: The most composed central defender, making several important clearances.

Midfield

  • Facundo Mura - 6/10: Played wing-back, contributed width and defended well until substituted; earned a yellow card for a tactical foul.
  • Yannick Bright - 5/10: Had limited influence, booked in the 40th minute, and committed the foul leading to the penalty.
  • Rodrigo De Paul - 6/10: Worked hard linking defense and attack, but missed his usual creativity.
  • Sergio Reguilon - 5/10: Offered some options on the left but was inconsistent and struggled to track overlapping runs.

Attack

  • Lionel Messi - 7/10: The standout player who calmly converted his chance to level the score, showing quality despite the team’s low offensive output.
  • Luis Suarez - 6/10: Quiet night with no shots on target, but his hold-up play helped create space for Messi.
  • Daniel Pinter - 5/10: Had minimal involvement in attacking play and remained mostly on the sidelines.

Substitutes & Manager

  • David Ayala - 6/10: Replaced injured Bright and helped stabilize midfield possession but lacked the decisive pass.
  • Riquelme Fillipi - 5/10: Came on late but failed to impact as the game grew more fragmented.
  • Santiago Morales - 2/10: Entered late, quickly earned two yellows leading to a red card that left Miami a man down and contributed to the defeat.
  • Ezequiel Abadia-Reda - N/A: Too brief a cameo for assessment.
  • Kily Gonzalez - 5/10: The coach’s 3-4-3 maintained possession but lacked penetration. Morales’ red card disrupted the team’s shape and led to a disjointed finish.

The tactical setup gave Messi room to shine but exposed defensive weaknesses. With only three shots on target and a costly red card, Miami couldn’t hold off Columbus’ late pressure.

Match Details

  • Date: September 28, 2026
  • Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
  • Final Score: Columbus Crew 2 - 1 Inter Miami
  • Key Moments: Josef Martinez penalty (Columbus), Messi free-kick equalizer, Morales red card (90+6), Thiare winning goal (90+8)

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