Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance for Inter Miami, but his spectacular second-half goal was not enough to secure all three points against Nashville SC.
The Herons looked destined for a crucial victory in Saturday night’s Eastern Conference showdown at Nu Stadium after Messi put them ahead. However, Nashville refused to give up and snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing a 2-2 draw.
The result will feel like a missed opportunity for Inter Miami, particularly after they appeared to have done enough to claim victory.
Nashville strike early before Messi responds
Nashville wasted little time making their presence felt, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Sam Surridge.
The forward found space behind Miami’s defence and calmly finished Andy Najar’s pass to give the visitors an early advantage.
Miami responded with increasing pressure, and Messi was at the heart of their attacking play. A dangerous corner from the Argentine took a deflection off Reed Baker-Whiting and found its way into the net, bringing the Herons level.
Messi continued to threaten as the match opened up, even hitting the woodwork earlier in the second half.
Then came another moment of individual brilliance.
Just after the hour mark, Messi combined with Rodrigo De Paul before finding space around 20 yards from goal. He made no mistake with his finish, sending the ball into the bottom corner to put Miami 2-1 ahead.
For a while, it appeared that Messi had produced the decisive moment once again.
Surridge delivers heartbreaking late equaliser
Nashville, however, kept pushing until the final whistle.
With Miami seemingly on course for victory, Surridge struck again deep into stoppage time. The forward found room inside the penalty area and finished from close range after Miami failed to deal with the danger.
The late goal stunned the home crowd and ensured Nashville left with a valuable point.
For Miami, it was another frustrating defensive lapse at a crucial moment.
Messi closing in on Miami milestone
Despite the disappointing result, Messi continued to strengthen his remarkable record since joining Inter Miami.
His goal was reportedly his 99th for the club in all competitions, leaving him just one short of the 100-goal milestone.
The Argentine also moved to 19 league goals for the season, keeping himself at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race.
At 39, Messi continues to provide the moments of magic that have made him one of football’s most influential players. Against Nashville, his goal was yet another reminder of his extraordinary quality, even though it ultimately failed to deliver the result Miami wanted.
Miami miss chance to close the gap
The draw leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 45 points from 25 matches.
However, their recent form remains a concern. The Herons have now recorded just one victory in their last nine matches across all competitions.
Nashville, meanwhile, will be delighted with the result. The point allows them to maintain their nine-point advantage at the top of the Eastern Conference.
For Miami, the challenge is now clear: individual brilliance from Messi can only take them so far. If the Herons are to close the gap at the top, they will need to become more consistent — and, crucially, eliminate the defensive mistakes that continue to cost them valuable points.
