Per reporter Michelle Kaufman, Courtois wasn’t happy with Inter Miami‘s complaining attitude towards the referee. “I would be red carded after five minutes against those guys [if I was playing]. It’s too much. What they do is bad for the game and it’s sad. The guys, they stayed focused, and we’ll focus on that,” Courtois said.

Inter Miami has plenty of Latin American players and they come from a different school of soccer. They are used to contact, plenty of ref-talk, and Courtois wasn’t having it, even if his team won the game against Lionel Messi.

Messi and Inter Miami are still in a dire situation

While Inter Miami’s spot on the table isn’t precisely bad, they haven’t been winning a lot lately. After appointing Kily Gonzalez as head coach, the fortunes haven’t turned around. However, Gonzalez was adamant on making clear the refereeing mistakes cost Inter Miami the game.

“There were very clear incidents on the pitch: the first moment involving Daniel was a handball, and before their second goal, there was a foul on Rodrigo (De Paul). As for the goal itself, it was valid, I just watched the replay. These things happen in football, and we have to accept them,” Gonzalez said.

Inter Miami’s spot in the standings

Inter Miami are now third in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville and New England. Also, Charlotte and Chicago are now both very close to Inter Miami, as they trail by three and four points, though Chicago has a game in hand.

While Inter Miami should have the talent and ability to turn things around, it’s time to make it count. After all, they just lost to Columbus, who are 12th and have lost almost double the games they’ve won.

Key takeaways

• Laurent Courtois slammed Inter Miami’s complaining attitude toward referees following a Columbus Crew victory.
• Coach Kily Gonzalez claimed refereeing mistakes cost Inter Miami during their recent match.
• Inter Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference standings behind Nashville and New England.

The Herons were trailing 1-0 in the first half following a penalty scored by Josef Martinez, who was one of Messi’s first teammates in Miami back in 2023. Only six minutes after the Crew took the lead, Messi made sure to make things level in the first half.

The night ended in a late loss for Miami, but at least there’s a positive aspect on the personal side for Messi, who now needs just two more free kick goals to tie the all-time record. Just watch this absolute beauty of yet another piece of art by Leo:

Who has more career free kick goals than Lionel Messi?

Messi is chasing the record set by former Brazilian soccer player Marcelinho Carioca, who recorded 78 free kick goals throughout his career. But the Argentine star knows a thing or two about surpassing Brazilian players on this list.

Messi is already second behind Marcelinho Carioca, having overtaken the likes of Jair Rosa Pinto, Roberto Dinamite, and Juninho Pernambucano recently.

1. Marcelinho Carioca – 78 career free kick goals
2. Lionel Messi – 76
3. Jair Rosa Pinto – 74
4. Roberto Dinamite – 73
5. Juninho Pernambucano – 72

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi scored his 76th career free kick against Columbus Crew in 2026.
• Just two goals separate the Argentine superstar from tying the all-time record.
• 78 free kick goals is the all-time record held by Marcelinho Carioca.

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami in the USA

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami will be available to watch exclusively on Apple TV in the United States. The MLS has moved all of its matches in 2026, with the former standalone MLS Season Pass replaced by an Apple TV subscription.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can currently use a seven-day free trial before the subscription switches to the regular price of $14.99 per month in the United States.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami is a Matchday 28 Eastern Conference clash with very different implications for the two sides. Inter Miami enter the weekend in third place with 46 points, while Columbus sit 14th with 26 points.

Miami are therefore fighting to secure a top-four position and home-field advantage in the postseason, while the Crew are attempting to close the gap during the final stretch of the regular season.

The Crew arrive with some momentum after beating CF Montreal 2-0 on the road, with Mohammed Farsi and Brais Mendez scoring in the second half. That victory ended a two-game MLS losing streak and came shortly after Columbus defeated Orlando City 2-1 to secure a place and home-field rights in the 2026 US Open Cup Final. A result against the reigning MLS Cup champions would provide another boost as the Crew prepare for the final weeks of the campaign.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, are coming off a 2-2 draw with San Diego FC after recently lifting the Campeones Cup. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored for the Herons, with Messi reaching 20 MLS goals for the season and Suarez moving to 13. Messi also leads the league with 33 goal contributions, while Rodrigo De Paul has recorded four goals and 12 assists during his first full MLS season.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami match?

The Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami match kicks off on Sunday, September 27, at 7:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

According to Inter Miami, nine Inter Miami players have been called up for the September and October international windows across senior and youth levels. However, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will participate in Inter Miami’s matches until October 6, when they play for Argentina against Benin.

However, they will lose against Columbus the following seven players who were called up by their countries:

• German Berterame (Mexico)
• Dayne St. Clair (Canada)
• Matias Galarza (Paraguay)
• Fricio Caicedo (Ecuador)
• Lovend’s Delinois (Haiti)
• Daniel Pinter (USA/U-20)
• Alexander Shaw (USA/U-19)

Messi available for a crucial match

Although Argentina will have prior games, Messi will only attend his farewell match on October 6 against Benin. From there, they will be able to be present for their respective matches, as is the case against Columbus Crew.

This match carries weight, as Inter Miami will look to earn three points again to stay near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team needs a positive result to sustain its aspirations heading into the final stretch of the season and remain in contention for the top spot.

Columbus Crew, for their part, will have the opportunity to climb the table. A victory would be key to starting to leave behind the bottom spots of the conference and regaining ground in the competition.

How both teams enter the match

Columbus Crew are coming off a 2-0 victory against CF Montreal. With this result, they have seven wins, five draws, and 14 losses, placing them in 13th place.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami enter after a 2-2 draw with San Diego, where Lionel Messi scored a free-kick goal that brought him closer to breaking the record — a result that leaves them with 12 wins, 10 draws, and four losses in third place in the Eastern Conference.

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City in the USA

Columbus Crew vs Orlando City will be available to watch live in the United States on CBS Sports Network, with the match also streaming on Fubo and Paramount+.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City for free?

Yes, fans can watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City for free with a Fubo 5-day free trial. The streaming service carries CBS Sports Network, the channel broadcasting the U.S. Open Cup semifinal.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Columbus Crew and Orlando City are one win away from the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final, making Wednesday’s semifinal a winner-take-all matchup. The winner at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will advance to the October 21 final and earn home-field advantage for the championship match.

The eventual champion will also secure a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding an international opportunity to the significance of the domestic trophy.

For Columbus, the semifinal marks a return to this stage of the competition for the first time since 2010. The Crew have won the U.S. Open Cup once, lifting the trophy in 2002, and are now two victories away from adding a second title to the club’s history.

Orlando City are also pursuing their second Open Cup championship after winning the tournament in 2022, when they defeated Sacramento Republic FC in the final. The Lions arrive in Columbus with significant attacking momentum, particularly through Antoine Griezmann.

The French forward scored in Orlando’s 3-0 MLS victory over Toronto FC on September 12, extending his scoring streak to five consecutive matches. He had also scored twice in Orlando’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United earlier in September.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs Orlando City match?

The Columbus Crew vs Orlando City match kicks off today, September 16, at 8:00 PM ET from ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. For viewers across the different U.S. time zones, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

How to watch Club America vs Columbus Crew in the USA

Club America vs. Columbus Crew can be watched live in the United States on Fox Sports 1, with additional coverage available through TUDN USA. The match is also available to stream through Fubo, TUDN.com, the TUDN App, FOX One and Apple TV.

Can I watch Club America vs Columbus Crew for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can use a 5-day free trial to watch Club America vs. Columbus Crew. That makes the platform the legal free option to check first for this quarterfinal. The exact trial offer should be confirmed during registration.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Club America and Columbus Crew meet in the Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The matchup is part of the competition’s MLS-vs.-Liga MX knockout stage, which guarantees cross-league meetings through the quarterfinals. The winner will face the winner of Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire in the semifinal round.

Both teams reached the knockout stage without losing during Phase One, but Columbus Crew finished with 8 points while Club America collected 7, putting the MLS side third among its league’s qualifiers and America second among Liga MX clubs.

The Crew’s run included a 3-1 win over Atlas, a 2-1 victory against Pachuca and a draw with Pumas that was settled by penalties. America also went unbeaten, with its campaign including a penalty-shootout win after drawing Austin FC. The quarterfinal is particularly significant for Columbus because the club already knows what it takes to win this tournament.

The Crew lifted the Leagues Cup trophy in 2024, while the 2026 edition has a major additional incentive: the top three finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. That means advancing against America would put Columbus just two wins away from the title and one step closer to securing continental qualification.

Club America vs Columbus Crew: Predicted Lineups

Club America (4-2-3-1): Rodolfo Cota; Kevin Alvarez, Sebastian Caceres, Israel Reyes, Dagoberto Espinoza; Alan Cervantes, Erick Sanchez; Brian Rodriguez, Gabriel Veiga, Isaai Violante; Henry Martin.

Columbus Crew (4-4-2): Patrick Schulte; Malte Amundsen, Sean Zawadzki, Cesar Ruvalcaba, Steven Moreira; Taha Habroune, Tarun Karumanchi, Henrique Jocu, Mohamed Farsi; Chase Adams, Hugo Mendez.

What time is the Club America vs Columbus Crew match?

The Club America vs. Columbus Crew match kicks off on Wednesday, August 26, at 10:45 PM ET. The quarterfinal will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with the local kickoff scheduled for 7:45 PM PT.

• Eastern Time: 10:45 PM
• Central Time: 9:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:45 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM in the USA

Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM will be available to stream live on Apple TV in the U.S. The 2026 Leagues Cup is included with an Apple TV subscription, and MLS confirms that every match in the tournament is available on the platform.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM through the seven-day free trial. Apple’s current MLS page advertises seven days free, followed by a $12.99-per-month subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Columbus Crew are one result away from securing their place in the 2026 Leagues Cup knockout rounds, while Pumas UNAM have already been eliminated from the competition.

Columbus enters Tuesday’s final Phase One match with six points after opening the tournament with a 3-1 win over Atlas and following it with a 2-1 victory over Pachuca. They are unbeaten in regulation in the tournament and sit Top 5 of the MLS-specific table heading into the final matchday.

Their latest victory also continued an impressive run for Brais Mendez, who scored for the third consecutive match since joining Columbus from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder opened the scoring against Pachuca before setting up Daniel Gazdag‘s stoppage-time winner from a corner.

Columbus is the 2024 Leagues Cup champion, and another strong performance against Pumas would give the club a chance to return to the knockout rounds and compete for another title.

Pumas, meanwhile, arrive in Columbus with no points from their first two matches and are officially eliminated. The Liga MX side lost 3-0 to Charlotte FC in its opening game before suffering a 2-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati on August 8.

Their own official report noted that their -5 goal difference and lack of points meant that even a victory in Columbus would not be enough to advance, while MLS officially listed Pumas among the eliminated teams on August 10.

Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM: Predicted Lineups

Columbus Crew (3-4-2-1): Patrick Schulte; Cesar Ruvalcaba, Rudy Camacho, Steven Moreira; Malte Amundsen, Andre Gomes, Tarun Karumanchi, Mohamed Farsi; Daniel Gazdag, Taha Habroune; Brais Mendez.

Pumas UNAM (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Alvaro Angulo, Angel Azuaje, Nathan Silva, Tony Leone; Victor Arteaga, Pedro Vite, Adalberto Carrasquilla; Luciano Herrera, Juninho Vieira, Rodrigo Lopez.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM match?

The Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM match kicks off on Tuesday, August 11, at 7:30 PM ET. The game will be played at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. The Crew’s official announcement confirms the 7:30 PM ET kickoff.

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Atlas in the USA

Columbus Crew and Atlas meet on Tuesday, August 4, in a Leagues Cup Phase One clash that will be available to viewers across the United States. Every Leagues Cup match is streamed live through Apple TV.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs Atlas for free?

There is currently no way to watch Columbus Crew vs Atlas for free in the United States. The match is part of the 2026 Leagues Cup, and the primary broadcaster is Apple TV, which requires a paid subscription. Apple TV offers a free trial though before the paid subscription becomes active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Columbus Crew begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with home-field advantage against Atlas in the opening match of Phase One, a stage that could determine whether they reach the knockout rounds.

Under the tournament’s format, each club plays three interleague matches against teams from the opposite league, with separate MLS and Liga MX standings deciding which four clubs from each league advance to the quarterfinals. Every point is crucial, making a winning start especially valuable.

The Crew will be looking to capitalize on home support at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field as they aim to establish themselves among the MLS contenders early in the competition.

With only three Phase One fixtures on the schedule, there is little margin for error, and dropping points could leave teams relying on results elsewhere to stay alive. Atlas, meanwhile, arrives determined to give Liga MX an early boost in the league-vs.-league battle that has become the defining storyline of the Leagues Cup.

Beyond advancing to the knockout stage, the tournament carries added significance because the finalists—and the winner of the third-place match—qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. That makes every match meaningful from the opening day.

Columbus Crew vs Atlas: Predicted Lineups

Columbus Crew (4-4-2): Patrick Schulte; Steven Moreira, Rudy Camacho, Sean Zawadzki, Mohamed Farsi; Taha Habroune, Andre Gomes, Dylan Chambost, Hugo Picard; Jamal Thiare, Daniel Gazdag.

Atlas (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Milton Valenzuela, Rodrigo Schlegel, Manuel Capasso, Gustavo Ferrareis; Edgar Zaldivar, Luis Esteves; Gonzalo Rios, Arturo Alfonso Gonzalez, Duk; Ryan Mmaee.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs Atlas match?

The Columbus Crew vs Atlas match kicks off on Tuesday, August 4, at 7:45 PM ET. For fans watching across the United States, here are the kickoff times in every major time zone:

Eastern Time (ET): 7:45 PM
Central Time (CT): 6:45 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 5:45 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 4:45 PM

Inclement weather and safety lightning protocols forced pre-match warmups to pause in Fort Lauderdale, prompting stadium officials to clear the pitch. The Eastern Conference clash was originally scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM ET.

In accordance with standard league weather safety procedures, play cannot begin until a full 30-minute window passes without any lightning detected within eight miles of the stadium. If lightning is detected nearby during the wait period, the 30-minute countdown resets automatically.

A pivotal opportunity for Inter Miami

Tonight’s fixture against Columbus Crew offers Inter Miami a crucial opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference, depending on Nashville SC’s result in Matchday 19.

Lionel Messi, who starts on the bench for tonight’s contest, aims to lead the Herons into the upcoming Leagues Cup break on a high note. Following this match, Inter Miami turns its focus to international competition, where they will face Liga MX sides Atletico San Luis, Monterrey, and Leon.

Upon returning from the Leagues Cup, the Herons will host Nashville SC in a marquee clash that could directly shape the Eastern Conference title race while widening their lead over the third-place New England Revolution.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew in the USA

Inter Miami and Columbus Crew meet in an important MLS regular-season clash. Fans in the United States can watch the match live through Apple TV, as every MLS game in the 2026 season is included with an Apple TV subscription.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew for free?

No! Apple TV does not currently offer a free trial for its MLS coverage. Since the league moved its entire broadcasting package to the Apple TV subscription in 2026, an active subscription is required to watch regular-season matches.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami return home riding one of the hottest streaks in MLS. The Herons have won six consecutive league matches and climbed to second place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, firmly establishing them in the race for the conference’s top seed.

Their latest victory, a 1-0 road win over CF Montreal, also marked the debut of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whose arrival adds another experienced leader to a squad already featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.

For Columbus Crew, this is an opportunity to get their season back on track. The Crew enter the weekend outside the Eastern Conference playoff places and need points to close the gap to the postseason positions.

Taking a result away from one of MLS’s in-form teams would not only boost their playoff hopes but also provide momentum heading into a demanding stretch of the schedule.

The timing of the match makes it even more significant. It is one of the final MLS fixtures before both clubs shift their attention to the 2026 Leagues Cup, where Inter Miami will face Atletico de San Luis, Monterrey and Leon.

Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Casemiro, Yannick Bright, Mateo Silvetti; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Columbus Crew (4-4-2): Patrick Schulte; Mohamed Farsi, Rudy Camacho, Sean Zawadzki, Steven Moreira; Dylan Chambost, Sekou Bangoura, Taha Habroune, Max Arfsten; Daniel Gazdag, Jamal Thiare.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew match?

Inter Miami and Columbus Crew will kick off their MLS regular-season showdown on Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 PM ET at Nu Stadium in Miami. Below are the kickoff times across the four major U.S. time zones so fans can tune in live.

Eastern Time (ET): 7:30 PM
Central Time (CT): 6:30 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 5:30 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 4:30 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs New York City FC in the USA

Viewers in the United States will have multiple options to catch this marquee showdown live, with extensive coverage provided on both linear television and streaming services from start to finish.

Fans looking to stream the action can watch live through CBS Sports Golazo Network, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video, each carrying full coverage of the game.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs New York City FC for free?

Viewers in the United States can stream the entire game live through Amazon Prime Video, which is presently available with a 30-day free trial for eligible new members.

During the promotional period, fans can watch every minute of the matchup without paying upfront, while also having the option to decide later if they want to remain subscribed under a regular membership package.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Two Eastern Conference clubs heading in opposite directions are set for a high-stakes showdown as New York City FC look to strengthen their push toward the top of the standings against a struggling Columbus Crew side desperate to revive its season.

NYCFC enter the matchup with 19 points, still well behind conference-leading Nashville SC and their 30-point pace, but firmly in the playoff picture and eager to build momentum in the race for silverware.

Columbus, meanwhile, have managed just 13 points and currently sit outside even the play-in spots, making the US Open Cup a major opportunity to salvage their campaign with a deep tournament run and a chance to bring home a trophy.

Columbus Crew vs New York City FC: Predicted Lineups

Columbus Crew (3-4-3): Schulte, Farsi, Zawadzki, Camacho, Moreira, Picard, Gomes, Bangoura, Arfsten, Rossi, Gazdag.

New York City FC (4-2-3-1): Freese, Gray, Martins, Raul, Cavallo, Parks, Trewin, Ojeda, Moralez, Wolf, Fernández.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs New York City FC match?

The match kicks off today, May 20, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM