Columbus Crew interim coach Laurent Courtois described the antics of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami as “bad for the game” despite his side beating the defending MLS champions in thrilling fashion last night.
Jamal Thiaré scored the winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time to hand Columbus the win after Messi had cancelled out Josef Martinez’s penalty with a stunning free-kick from a tight angle.
It was Messi’s 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 Ríos Novo spilled a shot into his path.
It was a dramatic finale to a fractious game with Courtois angry at Miami’s constant playacting and complaining to the referee.
The accusations will be nothing new to Messi after widespread condemnation of his Argentina side’s dismal behaviour throughout the World Cup over the summer.
Courtois slams Messi’s Miami
Courtois said: “It’s too much. What they do is bad for the game and it sucked, but the guys stayed focused and we’ll focus on that.
“Today, like our last few performances, everything was complete from start to finish. I’m really pleased with the way they had each other’s 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 it’s not enough
The highlight for the visitors, who have won just one of their last 10 games in MLS and remain third in the Eastern Conference, was Messi’s 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 I’d rather him not score on me and have that badge of honour, rather than the other way around,” Schulte said. “But I’m honestly just glad to come away with three points at the end of the day.”
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