Inter Miami's push for Eastern Conference top spot has been complicated by a damaging late collapse at Columbus Crew, where a stoppage-time red card for Santiago Morales proved the decisive moment in a 2-1 defeat, as detailed in the player ratings coverage. Reduced to ten men in the 90th minute, the Herons conceded an immediate winner and left ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with nothing to show for a performance that had seen Lionel Messi cancel out an early Josef Martinez penalty. The result leaves Miami third in the Eastern Conference on 46 points, level with second-placed New England Revolution but behind on goal difference, with Charlotte FC a further three points back in fourth, according to the latest standings data. The margin for error at the top is razor-thin, which makes the manner of this defeat particularly costly. Discipline and defensive concentration in closing stages will be areas Gerardo Martino's staff must address before Saturday's next assignment. Off the pitch, the club's most important figure has been absent on international duty, with Messi making his emotional farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires. His return to full club focus comes at a critical time. Miami host DC United at Nu Stadium on October 10, per the fixture schedule, and three points there are now close to essential if they are to keep pace in a tightening conference race.