Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored again against Nashville SC, but his effort was not enough to secure victory as both sides played out a 2-2 draw in their Major League Soccer Eastern Conference clash on Saturday.
Nashville took an early lead through English striker Sam Surridge, who beat the offside trap before firing a low effort into the bottom corner in the fourth minute.
Inter Miami responded midway through the first half, with Messi playing a key role in the equaliser.
The Argentine’s dangerous inswinging corner was glanced into the Nashville net by defender Reed Baker-Whiting for an own goal.
Messi then put Miami ahead in the 62nd minute with a superb curling effort after combining with former Argentina international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the area.
The 39-year-old could have added to his tally, but his effort struck the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute before another shot hit the post in the 78th minute.
Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios also cleared a late Messi attempt off the line.
However, Miami’s inability to protect their lead proved costly as Surridge struck again in injury time, bundling the ball home from close range to earn Nashville a point.
Messi has now scored 17 goals in 14 appearances against Nashville in all competitions since joining Inter Miami in 2023.
The draw leaves Miami nine points behind Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, with nine regular-season matches remaining.
