Lionel Messi scored a spectacular free-kick for Inter Miami before joining Argentina for what is expected to be his final international appearance this week.
The 39-year-old forward played his first match for Inter Miami since Sunday evening/Monday morning, but the reigning MLS champions suffered a surprise defeat by Columbus Crew.
Messi’s last Argentina appearance is being prepared as a farewell at El Monumental, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had one more club fixture to fulfil in the United States.
Inter Miami, playing away against Columbus Crew – second from bottom in MLS – appeared to be on course for victory after Josef Martinez converted a penalty midway through the first half.
Messi then doubled the visitors’ advantage with a superb free-kick. From a difficult angle, he curled the ball over the wall and into the far top corner, producing a strike that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
However, the result turned against Inter Miami during stoppage time.
Santiago Morales was shown a second yellow card in the 96th minute, leaving Inter Miami with 10 players. Two minutes later, Jamal Thiare scored the winning goal for Columbus Crew.
Messi’s free-kick came shortly before he linked up with the Argentina squad for their forthcoming farewell match.
Argentina will face Benin at night next week, with the fixture taking place from Tuesday into Wednesday.
All 80,000 tickets for the match were sold within less than two hours.
“Leo deserves an exceptional farewell,” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said.