Messi’s Stunning Goal Still Couldn’t Save Inter Miami from Defeat

Lionel Messi’s dazzling goal-scoring streak continued against Major League Soccer (MLS) top team Nashville, but Inter Miami failed to win. A high-voltage clash between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference ended in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

Messi scored a beautiful curling shot in the 62nd minute of the match at Miami’s Nu Stadium to give Miami a 2-1 lead. However, in added time, Nashville’s English striker Sam Surridge put the ball into the net from close range, ending Miami’s dream of victory.

The 39-year-old Argentine magician has scored an incredible 17 goals in 14 matches against Nashville in all competitions since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

If Miami had luck on their side on Sunday, Messi’s tally could have been even higher. In the 50th minute, a powerful shot from Messi hit the crossbar and bounced off the post. Then, in the 78th minute, another shot from Messi was blocked by the post. Even before Suarez equalized, an attempt from Messi was headed off the goal line by Nashville defender Jason Palacios.

With nine games remaining in the regular season, Miami fell nine points behind Nashville, who is at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Earlier, Nashville surprised Miami early in the match. In the fourth minute of the game, Surridge avoided the offside trap and put the team ahead with a low shot.

However, Miami equalized midway through the first half, with Messi making a big contribution. Nashville defender Reid Baker-Whiting deflected the ball into his own net as he cleared the World Cup winner’s in-swinging corner.

Midway through the second half, Messi took Miami to the brink of victory. He received the ball in a brilliant combination with former Argentina teammate Rodrigo de Paul on the edge of the D-box and beat Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwak with a corner shot.

However, Miami ultimately paid a heavy price for missing the opportunity to increase the gap. Nashville equalized in injury time and took 1 point from Miami.