Messi scores as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Nashville after late Surridge equaliser

Miami: Lionel Messi scored a spectacular goal but Sam Surridge struck in injury time as Nashville SC fought back to hold Inter Miami CF to a 2-2 draw in a top-two MLS Eastern Conference clash on Saturday.

The result leaves Inter Miami nine points behind Nashville in the race for the top seeding, with nine regular-season games remaining.

Nashville made a dream start when English striker Surridge beat the offside trap and fired a low shot into the bottom corner in the fourth minute.

Miami responded in the 19th minute, with Messi once again at the centre of the action. His dangerous in-swinging corner found Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting, who glanced the ball into his own net to bring the hosts level.

Messi came close to putting Miami ahead early in the second half when his effort struck the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute.

The Argentine eventually found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute. Messi combined with former Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the penalty area before curling a superb effort beyond the reach of Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake to make it 2-1.

Messi was denied a second goal when another effort struck the post in the 78th minute. He also had a late attempt headed clear by Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios as Miami searched for a decisive third goal.

That failure to extend their lead proved costly.

Nashville remained in the contest and Surridge delivered again in injury time, bundling the ball home to score his second goal of the night and earn the visitors a share of the points.

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

The Argentine could have added to that remarkable record on Saturday, but the crossbar, post and Nashville's late defensive intervention denied him.

The draw allowed Nashville to maintain their advantage over Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference, while Inter were left to rue missed opportunities after twice hitting the woodwork and failing to protect their late lead.