Nashville SC Denies Inter Miami With Stoppage-Time Equalizer in 2-2 Draw

Lionel Messi scored his 19th goal of the season, but a 91st-minute strike by Sam Surridge forced a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami.

Sam Surridge scored in the first minute of added time to secure a 2-2 draw for Nashville SC against Inter Miami on Saturday. Surridge opened the scoring for the visitors in the fourth minute before Lionel Messi helped level the match in the 19th minute when his corner kick resulted in a Reed Baker-Whiting own goal. Messi then gave Miami a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute, firing a 20-yard left-footed shot into the side of the net following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul.

Despite the lead, Miami failed to convert several chances to extend the margin. Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake pushed a Messi shot onto the post, and defender Jeisson Palacios recorded a goal-line headed clearance. Messi also struck the crossbar and the post during the second half, while De Paul hit the outside of the woodwork following Surridge's late equalizer. The result leaves Miami nine points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville with nine matches remaining in the regular season.

Inter Miami has now dropped 11 points from winning positions at home this season, the third-highest total in MLS behind New York City FC and CF Montréal. The club has secured only one victory in its last nine matches across all competitions. Nashville remains unbeaten in four meetings against Miami this year, including a 4-1 win on August 15 and a victory in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Miami next faces Cruz Azul on Wednesday in the Campeones Cup.