Columbus Crew Stun Inter Miami 2-1 on Jamal Thiaré’s Last-Gasp Winner

Thiaré Delivers in the 98th Minute as Crew Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Jamal Thiaré may have just changed the course of the Columbus Crew’s season. After surrendering one of Lionel Messi’s most spectacular goals of the 2026 MLS season, Columbus produced a dramatic late comeback Sunday night, with Thiaré scoring in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to lift the Crew to a stunning 2-1 victory over Inter Miami CF at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

The victory gave Columbus consecutive league wins for only the second time this season and moved the Crew to within four points of the Eastern Conference’s final Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs position. Columbus improved to 8-14-5 with seven regular-season matches remaining. The 21,188 fans in attendance witnessed a match that appeared destined for a draw before Thiaré became the hero.

Josef Martínez Opens the Scoring From the Penalty Spot

Columbus struck first in the 28th minute when Josef Martínez converted from the penalty spot for his first MLS goal with the Crew. Martínez was awarded the opportunity after Yannick Bright brought him down near the top of the penalty area, and the veteran striker calmly finished from 12 yards to give Columbus a 1-0 advantage. The lead, however, lasted only five minutes.

Messi Answers With a Spectacular Free Kick

Messi produced a moment of individual brilliance to pull Inter Miami level in the 33rd minute. From an extremely tight angle near the right end line, the Miami captain curled a free kick over the outstretched hand of Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and inside the far post. It was a remarkable finish that brought Miami level at 1-1.

The goal moved Messi’s 2026 MLS tally to 21 and extended his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. He also entered the match with 13 assists, giving him 34 goal contributions on the season.  For all of Messi’s brilliance, though, Miami could not find another goal.

Thiaré Becomes the Late Hero

Columbus continued to press for a winner throughout the second half and came agonizingly close several times. Anass Zaroury hit the post in the 89th minute, while the Crew continued to generate pressure around the Miami penalty area. 

Then came the moment Columbus had been waiting for. In the 98th minute, Brais Méndez fired a shot from outside the penalty area that Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo could only parry. Thiaré, who had entered the match in the 83rd minute, reacted first and slammed the rebound into the net from inside the box.

The goal sent the record crowd into celebration and completed one of the most dramatic victories of Columbus’ season. Inter Miami was also reduced to 10 men late when Santiago Morales received a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Crew Suddenly Back in the Playoff Conversation

The result gives Columbus renewed life in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Crew entered the match seven points outside the playoff places but now sit just four points behind ninth-place New York City FC, according to MLS. The club has also won consecutive league matches after defeating CF Montréal and now Inter Miami.

Columbus also has another major opportunity ahead. The Crew will host St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup final on Oct. 21, giving the club another path toward silverware during a late-season surge. 

Inter Miami, meanwhile, fell to 12-5-10 and remains in the Eastern Conference’s upper tier, but Sunday marked another frustrating result during a stretch in which the club has struggled to consistently turn performances into victories. 

What’s Next for Columbus and Inter Miami

Columbus will return to MLS action on Oct. 10 when the Crew travel to face Antoine Griezmann and Orlando City at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV. Inter Miami will also return to league play on Oct. 10, hosting D.C. United at Nu Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For one unforgettable Sunday night in Columbus, however, the spotlight belonged to Thiaré. Messi had provided the magic, Martínez had opened the scoring, but it was Thiaré’s 98th-minute finish that gave the Crew a victory that could prove enormous in their push toward the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.