Jamal Thiaré (19) scores the winning goal for the Columbus Crew against Inter Miami Sunday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Photo: Kevin Lam

The Columbus Crew put together a statement win on Sunday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, downing Inter Miami 2-1. Many fans were there to see Miami’s Lionel Messi, who scored the Herons’ only goal, but the Black & Gold faithful were the ones to go home happy. Here are our three takeaways from Sunday’s match:

1.    It appears that the reworking of the Crew’s lineup is beginning to gel. Not only did the offense produce two goals, but the attack produced twice as many shots on goal as Miami (6-3). Jamal Thiaré’s score on a rebound off the Herons’ goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo with very little time left in the match was the epitome of being prepared to take advantage of an unexpected break.

2.   It is impossible to ignore the impact of Lionel Messi on the sport generally and on Sunday’s match specifically. So many fans at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field were wearing #10, either in Miami’s colors or the white and sky-blue stripes of Argentina’s la Albiceleste. La Pulga did disappoint his admirers with an incredible goal on a direct kick from an awkward angle to the right of the box (see below).

3.   The Black & Gold’s defense is back. After looking confused in recent outings, the Crew did not provide Miami with a statistical big chance Sunday. As mentioned, the Herons’ only goal came on an improbable direct kick from perhaps the greatest player ever to suit up. Patrick Schulte made four saves and looked more confident in net. If the Crew offense continues its progress and the defense returns to form, the stretch run could make things interesting.