Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick, but Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The Argentina star equalised in the 33rd minute with a curling free-kick after Josef Martinez had put Columbus ahead from the penalty spot five minutes earlier. The goal was Messi's 21st of the regular season, but it was not enough to earn Miami a point as Columbus defended well for much of the match.

Messi almost put Miami ahead in the 62nd minute when he ran forward and fired a shot at goal, but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made a good save to push the ball over the bar.

Miami thought they had taken the lead shortly afterwards when substitute David Ayala broke through the Columbus defence and scored. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Columbus also came close to scoring, with Moroccan newcomer Anass Zaroury hitting the woodwork twice. One of his long-range shots struck the underside of the crossbar.

The match looked set to end in a draw until Columbus scored the winning goal deep into stoppage time. The defeat was another setback for Miami's hopes of catching Eastern Conference leaders Nashville. Miami are now 14 points behind Nashville with seven regular-season games left.