Match Ends in 2-2 Draw After Stoppage-Time Equaliser
Lionel Messi scored a second-half goal that looked to have given Inter Miami the win, but Nashville SC struck back in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami on Saturday. The result keeps Nashville nine points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference.
How the Match Unfolded
Nashville took an early lead just four minutes into the match when Sam Surridge found the net in South Florida. Miami responded in the 19th minute when Messi’s in-swinging corner forced an own goal. The ball deflected into the net off the head of Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting, bringing Miami level.
Messi then had a shot blocked from outside the box in the 27th minute and sent a free kick wide shortly afterward. In the second half, he broke through with his MLS-leading 19th goal of the season in the 62nd minute. He exchanged passes with long-time Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul before finishing with a precise left-footed shot from 20 yards out.
Messi’s Chances for a Milestone Goal
Messi came close to scoring what would have been his 100th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions. He was denied twice. First, Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake made a save that pushed the ball onto the post. Then, Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios made a last-ditch headed clearance to stop another attempt. Lionel Messi also hit the crossbar and the post in the second half.
Nashville’s Late Equaliser
Miami’s missed chances proved costly. In the first minute of added time, Sam Surridge fired Nashville level again. Surridge’s late goal gave Nashville a share of the points and maintained their strong position in the standings.
Even after Nashville equalised, Miami had one more chance to win. De Paul was inches away from scoring when his shot hit the outside of the post.
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Standings and Season Context
Miami has now dropped 11 points from winning positions at home in MLS this season. That is the second most in the league, behind New York City FC and CF Montréal. Saturday’s dropped points could prove particularly costly. Miami now trails Nashville by nine points in the battle for both the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed and the Supporters’ Shield with nine games remaining. Nashville, which joined MLS as an expansion team alongside Miami in 2020, is now in prime position to claim its first Supporters’ Shield.
Miami’s Recent Struggles
Miami has won just once in its past nine games in all competitions. The team is still waiting for Cristian “Kily” González to formally take over as coach. Despite the struggles, Miami and Messi had plenty of chances to add to their win total on Saturday. Lionel Messi had a big hand in bringing Miami level in the first half and scored his 19th goal of the season in the second half.
Nashville’s Dominance in the Series
Nashville is now unbeaten in four matches against Miami this season. In addition to winning 4-1 in the teams’ previous MLS meeting on August 15, Nashville also eliminated Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this season. This latest draw continues Nashville’s strong run against Miami and keeps them in control of the Eastern Conference.
What’s Next
Both teams will continue their push toward the playoffs. Miami will need to turn its recent form around quickly if it hopes to catch Nashville for the top seed. Nashville, meanwhile, will look to maintain its lead and secure the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in club history. With nine games remaining, every point matters, and Saturday’s late equaliser could prove to be a crucial moment in the season.