MLS: Messi scores as Inter Miami draw Nashville 2-2

n n

Lionel Messi extended his incredible scoring streak against MLS-leaders Nashville on Saturday as Inter Miami battled to a 2-2 draw in their top-of-the-table Eastern Conference clash.

n

Messi curled in a superb strike on 62 minutes at Miami’s Nu Stadium to fire Inter into a 2-1 lead but Nashville grabbed a share of the points after striker Sam Surridge bundled in an injury-time equaliser.

n

The 39-year-old Messi has now scored a remarkable 17 goals in 14 games against Nashville in all competitions since joining Miami in 2023.

n

And Messi could have even improved his goals record against in Saturday’s game between the first and second-placed sides in the Eastern Conference.

n

Messi saw a shot crash off the underside of the bar in the 50th minute and also saw a shot cannon off the post in the 78th minute. A late Messi effort was also headed clear by Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios before Surridge’s leveler.

n

The result leaves Inter nine points adrift of Nashville in the race for top seeding with nine regular season games remaining.

n

Earlier, Nashville had got off to a dream start when English striker Surridge sprang the offside trap before burying a low shot into the bottom corner in the fourth minute.

n

But Miami drew level midway through the half and again Messi was involved. The World Cup-winner’s wicked in-swinging corner found the head of Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting, who glanced in an own goal.

n

It looked as if Messi had grabbed the winner midway through the second half when he combined with former Argentina international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the area before curling a shot beyond the dive of Brian Schwake.

n

But Miami’s failure to extend their lead proved costly as Surridge scored from close range in injury time to steal a point.

n

AFP

n n