Messi produces late free-kick magic before Argentina farewell

Lionel Messi scored a superb free-kick for Inter Miami before joining up with Argentina for the final time this week, although his side suffered a surprise defeat by Columbus Crew.

The 39-year-old made his first appearance for Inter Miami since Sunday night/Monday morning before travelling to Argentina, where the reigning champions are preparing for his farewell international appearance at El Monumental.

Inter Miami, playing away against Columbus Crew, who are second-bottom of MLS, looked on course for victory after Josef Martinez put them ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first half.

Messi then doubled their advantage with a remarkable set-piece. From a difficult angle, the Argentina forward curled the ball over the wall and into the far top corner.

However, the match turned against Inter Miami during stoppage time. Santiago Morales was shown a second yellow card in the 96th minute, before Jamal Thiare scored the winning goal two minutes later.

Messi’s free-kick came in his final club appearance before he reports for international duty with Argentina.

He is due to play his farewell match for the national team next week, when Argentina face Benin in a night-time fixture between Tuesday and Wednesday.

All 80,000 tickets for the match were sold within two hours.

“Leo deserves an exceptional farewell,” said Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.