Lionel Messi looked to be leading Inter Miami toward a very important victory after scoring a spectacular second-half goal against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.
However, the Florida side failed to secure all three points, as Sam Surridge scored in stoppage time to earn Nashville a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday night at “Nu Stadium.”
Surridge Stuns Miami Late
Nashville took the lead in the fourth minute when Surridge broke through the Inter Miami defense and finished after receiving an assist from Andy Najar.
The hosts responded following a dangerous corner kick from Messi, with the ball ending up in the net after a deflection off Reed Baker-Whiting.
After more than an hour of play, Messi combined with Rodrigo De Paul before firing a precise shot from around 20 meters into the bottom corner, putting Miami ahead.
But just when it appeared that the hosts would close out the match with a victory, Surridge took advantage of a defensive lapse and scored from close range in the final minutes of stoppage time to secure the final score of 2-2.
Messi Closes in on His 100th Goal for Inter Miami
This was Messi’s 99th goal in all competitions for Inter Miami.
The Argentine has now scored 19 league goals and continues to lead the race for the MLS Golden Boot.
Messi had also hit the post earlier in the second half, producing another dangerous attacking display.
However, his individual contribution was not enough to secure victory, as another late defensive error cost Miami two points.
Nashville Maintain Their Lead at the Top
The draw means Inter Miami have now recorded just one victory in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Guillermo Hoyos’ side remain second in the Eastern Conference with 45 points from 25 matches, but they missed a good opportunity to close the gap on the leaders.
Nashville, meanwhile, maintain their nine-point advantage at the top of the table.
Inter Miami Now Turn Their Attention to a Trophy
Inter Miami must quickly put this draw behind them, as they will face Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final on Wednesday.
The match gives Miami an immediate opportunity to win silverware, before new head coach Kily Gonzalez takes charge of the team once the procedures for his work permit have been completed.
