Inter Miami Blows Late Lead as Nashville Snatches 2-2 Draw

Messi Scores Again, But Nashville Surridge’s Equalizer Makes it 2-2

Inter Miami appeared to be on its way to a statement victory over Eastern Conference leading Nashville SC on Saturday night. Instead, Lionel Messi and Miami were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored his second goal of the night in stoppage time.

The result extended Nashville’s unbeaten streak to four meetings against Miami this season and kept the club nine points ahead of second-place Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference standings. Miami was also unable to avenge a 4-1 defeat to Nashville on Aug. 15, while Nashville had previously eliminated Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this season.

Nashville Strikes Early

Nashville wasted little time putting Miami under pressure. Surridge opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, finishing a pass from Andy Najar for his 14th goal of the MLS season. Miami responded in the 19th minute when Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting accidentally put the ball into his own net on a corner kick, bringing the match level at 1-1.

Messi nearly gave Miami the lead later in the half. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had a shot blocked from outside the penalty area in the 27th minute before sending a free kick wide shortly afterward.

Messi Puts Miami Ahead in Second Half

Miami finally found its breakthrough in the 62nd minute, and unsurprisingly, Messi was at the center of it. Rodrigo De Paul found Messi outside the penalty area, and the Argentine superstar created just enough space to unleash a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner.

The goal was Messi’s MLS-leading 19th of the season and appeared to put Miami in position to finally defeat Nashville. The lead, however, would not hold.

Surridge Delivers Crushing Equalizer

Nashville continued to push for an equalizer and was rewarded just one minute into stoppage time. Surridge struck again, scoring his second goal of the night to make it 2-2 and deny Miami all three points.

The late goal was another painful reminder of Miami’s struggles against Nashville this season. Despite Messi’s latest goal and Miami controlling the match for stretches, Nashville once again found a way to avoid defeat.

For Miami, the draw represents two points dropped in the Eastern Conference race. Nashville remains nine points clear of the Herons, while Miami will have to wait another day for its first victory over Nashville this season.

Next Match for Inter Miami and Nashville

Inter Miami will quickly turn its attention to international competition. The Herons return home Wednesday to host Liga MX champion Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. Nashville, meanwhile, will return to MLS action next Saturday when it hosts the Chicago Fire.