Miami, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Lionel Messi scored his 19th goal of the MLS regular season and reached 99 goals across all competitions for Inter Miami, but Nashville SC struck in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw in their MLS regular-season clash at Nu Stadium.
Nashville made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Sam Surridge. Inter Miami levelled in the 19th minute when Messi’s corner was deflected into the Nashville net by defender Reed Baker-Whiting.
The teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Messi came close to putting Inter Miami ahead in the 50th minute, but his left-footed effort from the right side of the box struck the crossbar.
The Argentina star made no mistake 12 minutes later. Receiving a pass from De Paul just outside the box, Messi unleashed a first-time left-footed strike that found the far corner in the 62nd minute.
The goal was Messi’s 19th in the regular season, moving him to the top of the MLS Golden Boot race and taking his Inter Miami tally to 99 goals since joining the club in 2023.
Inter Miami introduced recently signed Paraguay international midfielder Matías Galarza in the 66th minute for his club debut.
The hosts nearly extended their advantage in the 78th minute. Luis Suárez’s effort from the centre of the box was saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake, before Messi’s follow-up was deflected onto the left post.
Nashville completed the comeback in the first minute of stoppage time when Surridge scored his second of the night to make it 2-2.
Inter Miami pushed for a winner and came close in the fourth minute of added time, but De Paul’s effort from the right side of the box struck the left post.
The score remained 2-2 as Inter Miami had to settle for a point at home.
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