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

Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant free-kick goal for Inter Miami, yet it wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat against Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The game turned sharply against Miami after Santiago Morales received two quick yellow cards, leaving the team with ten men and allowing Columbus to snatch victory deep into stoppage time.

Miami lined up in a 3-4-3 formation to maximize Messi’s creativity but struggled to hold their defensive shape under Columbus’ intense pressure. Although they controlled 56% possession, Miami only managed three shots on target throughout the match.

The contest was defined by late discipline issues and shaky defending. Messi’s equalizer in the 33rd minute canceled out Josef Martinez’s penalty early in the first half. Still, the visitors couldn’t keep up the momentum.

Morales’ brief appearance ended disastrously when he was sent off in the 96th minute after a second yellow card. Columbus immediately capitalized as Jamal Thiare scored the winner in the ninth minute of added time.

Goalkeeper and Defense

• Rocco Rios Novo - 6/10: Made four important saves showing sharp reflexes against six shots on target from Columbus. Could not stop the penalty or the late close-range finish.
• Gonzalo Lujan - 5/10: Faced challenges handling Columbus’ attack movement and earned a yellow card in the 92nd minute. Part of a back three that faltered in extra time.
• Casemiro - 4/10: Played out of position and lacked the mobility needed to track runners, consistently targeted by Columbus forwards.
• Micael - 6/10: Showed composure among the defenders with several key clearances.

Midfield

• Facundo Mura - 6/10: Played wing-back well, providing width and defensive support until substituted in the 71st minute. Picked up a yellow card.
• Yannick Bright - 5/10: Struggled to influence the midfield and committed a foul leading to Columbus’ penalty. Received a yellow card in the 40th minute.
• Rodrigo De Paul - 6/10: Worked hard linking defense and attack but lacked his usual spark.
• Sergio Reguilon - 5/10: Offered some attacking options on the left flank but was inconsistent and replaced late in the game as tensions rose.

Attack

• Lionel Messi - 7/10: The team’s standout player once again. He calmly converted a free-kick in the 33rd minute to level the score, showcasing his enduring quality despite limited support.
• Luis Suarez - 6/10: Had a quiet evening, often isolated upfront. Did not register any shots on target but helped create space for Messi.
• Daniel Pinter - 5/10: Rarely involved in attacking moves and remained on the periphery.

Substitutes and Manager

• David Ayala - 6/10: Came on in the 40th minute to stabilize midfield and help maintain possession, but did not provide the key pass needed to break through.
• Riquelme Fillipi - 5/10: Substituted on in the 71st minute but failed to influence the match meaningfully amid growing fouls.
• Santiago Morales - 2/10: His short cameo was disastrous, receiving two quick yellow cards between the 93rd and 96th minutes, leaving Miami a man down and triggering the late collapse.
• Ezequiel Abadia-Reda - N/A: Introduced late and had insufficient time to be rated fairly.
• Kily Gonzalez - 5/10: The coach’s 3-4-3 system controlled possession but lacked cutting edge. The choice to bring on Morales backfired, disrupting team balance after the red card.

Match Details

• Score: Columbus Crew 2 - 1 Inter Miami
• Key Events: Josef Martinez penalty (Columbus), Lionel Messi free-kick equalizer (Miami), Santiago Morales red card (Miami), Jamal Thiare stoppage-time winner (Columbus)
• Date: September 28, 2026
• Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field