Lionel Messi scores stunner but Inter Miami denied victory as Nashville SC salvage late draw in Eastern Conference showdown
Lionel Messi scored his 99th goal for Inter Miami, but the team was held to a 2-2 draw by Nashville SC after a late equalizer. The result leaves Miami struggling for consistency as they prepare for the upcoming Campeones Cup final.
Why it matters
Messi's performance continues to drive global interest in MLS, though Inter Miami's defensive struggles remain a significant hurdle for the club's championship ambitions.
Lionel Messi looked to have inspired Inter Miami to a vital victory with a spectacular second-half strike against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC. However, the Herons were denied all three points when Sam Surridge struck late in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw for the visitors at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
Surridge broke through Miami's back line to finish Andy Najar's pass in the fourth minute before a dangerous Messi corner deflected in off Reed Baker-Whiting. The Argentine then found the bottom corner from 20 yards after linking up with Rodrigo De Paul past the hour mark. However, Surridge struck again from close range deep into stoppage time to punish poor marking and force a 2-2 draw.
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