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

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick to bring Inter Miami level, yet a late red card for Santiago Morales proved costly as Columbus Crew snatched a 2-1 win with a stoppage-time goal from Jamal Thiare.

The clash at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field saw Miami’s defensive line break down in the dying moments after playing a 3-4-3 formation aimed at maximizing Messi’s creative freedom. Despite controlling 56% of possession, Miami managed only three shots on target against a persistent Columbus press.

Josef Martinez put Columbus ahead early with a penalty, which Messi cancelled out in the 33rd minute. The match’s turning point came when Morales was shown two quick yellow cards in the 90+6 minute, reducing Miami to ten men. Columbus wasted no time capitalizing, with Thiare scoring the winner in the ninth minute of added time.

Goalkeeper & Defense

  • Rocco Rios Novo - 6/10: Made four important saves to keep Miami competitive, but was unable to stop the early penalty or the decisive late finish.
  • Gonzalo Lujan - 5/10: Had a tough night dealing with Columbus attackers, picked up a late yellow card, and was part of the defense that faltered in stoppage time.
  • Casemiro - 4/10: Out of position and lacking mobility, he struggled to contain the opposition’s attacks throughout.
  • Micael - 6/10: The most composed central defender, making crucial clearances under pressure.

Midfield

  • Facundo Mura - 6/10: Provided width and defended diligently before being substituted in the 71st minute; earned a yellow card for a tactical foul.
  • Yannick Bright - 5/10: Found it hard to influence the game, collected a yellow card, and committed the foul leading to Columbus’ penalty.
  • Rodrigo De Paul - 6/10: Worked hard linking defense to attack but lacked his usual spark creatively.
  • Sergio Reguilon - 5/10: Offered some width on the left but was inconsistent and struggled with overlapping runs; subbed off late in the match.

Attack

  • Lionel Messi - 7/10: Once again Miami’s best player, finishing clinically to equalize despite limited support around him.
  • Luis Suarez - 6/10: Quiet evening, often isolated upfront; didn’t manage a shot on target but helped create space for Messi.
  • Daniel Pinter - 5/10: Had little involvement in the attacking third and remained on the fringes of play.

Substitutes & Manager

  • David Ayala - 6/10: Came on early to stabilize midfield, helped maintain possession but lacked the key pass.
  • Riquelme Fillipi - 5/10: Introduced late but failed to make a strong impact amid a disrupted match.
  • Santiago Morales - 2/10: His short time on the pitch was marred by two quick yellow cards leading to a red, leaving Miami short-handed at a critical moment.
  • Ezequiel Abadia-Reda - N/A: Entered late with too little time to be judged.
  • Kily Gonzalez - 5/10: His 3-4-3 setup maintained possession but lacked penetration; substitution decisions backfired resulting in disorganization after the red card.

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