Lionel Messi joined the Argentine national team for the last time this week, after playing his first match with Inter Miami on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Despite a stunning free kick from the 39-year-old forward, the defending champions suffered an unexpected defeat against Columbus Crew.
Argentina is preparing for Messi's farewell match at El Monumental, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had one more game to play in the United States. The away clash against Columbus Crew, who sit second to last in MLS, ended in a painful defeat for Inter Miami.
Josef Martínez opened the scoring for Inter Miami with a penalty in the middle of the first half, followed by Messi. The Argentine executed a free kick from a difficult angle that found the top corner of the net.
In stoppage time, the situation turned for Inter Miami. In the 96th minute, Santiago Morales received a second yellow card, and two minutes later, Jamal Thiaré scored the decisive goal for the victory.
Watch Messi's free kick here:
FREE KICK MAGIC FROM LEO. 🎯✨ https://t.co/s6gT7fDFki
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 27, 2026
Messi's farewell match with the Argentine national team is scheduled for next week. The former world champion will face Benin in the evening, from Tuesday to Wednesday.
All 80,000 available tickets sold out in less than two hours. "Leo deserves a memorable farewell", said coach Lionel Scaloni.
