Columbus Crew interim coach Laurent Courtois described the antics of Lionel Messis Inter Miami as bad for the game despite his side beating the defending MLS champions in thrilling fashion last night. Jamal Thiar scored the winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time to hand Columbus the win after Messi had cancelled out Josef Martinezs penalty with a stunning free-kick from a tight angle.It was Messis 21st MLS goal of the season, putting him three clear of FC Dallas Petar Musa in the race for the Golden Boot.Miami finished the game with 10 men due to the late dismissal of substitute Santiago Morales. Thiare scored shortly afterwards, poking home after goalkeeper Rocco Ros Novo spilled a shot into his path.It was a dramatic finale to a fractious game with Courtois angry at Miamis constant playacting and complaining to the referee.The accusations will be nothing new to Messi after widespread condemnation of his Argentina sides dismal behaviour throughout the World Cup over the summer.Courtois slams Messis MiamiCourtois said: Its too much. What they do is bad for the game and it sucked, but the guys stayed focused and well focus on that.Today, like our last few performances, everything was complete from start to finish. Im really pleased with the way they had each others back, especially facing that type of environment with the referee and what Miami likes to create in between plays [complaining about calls]. So, credit to the guys to keep their heads on their shoulders and not lose it.The decision to award a penalty to the Crew for a foul on Martinez by Yannick Bright angered Miami and Messi led a group of players in protesting to referee Victor Rivas with former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro booked for taking his complaints too far.Messi scores stunner but its not enoughThe highlight for the visitors, who have won just one of their last 10 games in MLS and remain third in the Eastern Conference, was Messis stunning free-kick.Few in the sell-out crowd of 21,188 expected Messi to shoot but he curled a trademark effort round the wall and past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.To share the pitch with him is definitely incredible, but Id rather him not score on me and have that badge of honour, rather than the other way around, Schulte said. But Im honestly just glad to come away with three points at the end of the day. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Portugal boss Jesus to speak to stroppy Ronaldo after striker disappears in a huff after Norway win Jon Fisher 28th September, 2026 NFL Sunday round-up: Commanders stun Seahawks as Steelers beat Bengals in dramatic finish Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026 Nations League: Germany suffer shock defeat to Greece as Klopp makes winless start, Netherlands see off Serbia Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026 Norway 1-2 Portugal: Report, result, goals as Ramos scores winner after replacing Ronaldo in starting lineup Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026 Former Manchester City chief Bernstein says club should be punished with more than fines and league status should be affected after guilty verdict Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026 WATCH: Joao Felix long-range strike opens scoring for Portugal against Norway Cian Cheesbrough 27th September, 2026
