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Lionel Messi scored again against Nashville SC, but Inter Miami were denied victory after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw in their top-of-the-table MLS Eastern Conference clash on Saturday.
Messi curled a superb effort into the net in the 62nd minute to put Miami 2-1 ahead at Nu Stadium, but Nashville striker Sam Surridge struck in injury time to rescue a point for the league leaders.
The goal extended Messi’s remarkable scoring record against Nashville, with the 39-year-old now having scored 17 goals in 14 appearances against the club in all competitions since joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi came close to adding another goal as his effort struck the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute, before another shot hit the post in the 78th. Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios also cleared a late effort from the Argentine.
Nashville made a fast start when Surridge broke the offside trap and fired a low shot into the bottom corner in the fourth minute.
Miami responded in the 19th minute when Messi’s dangerous in-swinging corner was met by Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Messi then completed Miami’s comeback when he combined with former Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul before curling a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Brian Schwake in the 62nd minute. The goal was Messi’s 19th in MLS this season.
However, Miami failed to kill off the contest despite creating opportunities to extend their lead, and Surridge pounced from close range in injury time to make it 2-2.
The draw left Nashville on 54 points, nine points clear of second-placed Inter Miami with nine regular-season matches remaining.
