Messi Scores as Inter Miami Draw 2-2 With San Diego

Lionel Messi scored his 101st goal for Inter Miami, but the champions were held to a 2-2 draw by San Diego in Florida on Sunday as their push to overtake Nashville at the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference suffered a setback.

Anders Dreyer scored twice for San Diego at Miami’s Nu Stadium, cancelling out goals from Messi and Luis Suarez. The result left Miami 11 points behind Nashville with eight regular-season games remaining.

Miami had long spells of territory and possession after falling behind early, and they eventually moved in front in the second half. However, San Diego produced a late response through Dreyer to take a share of the points.

Dreyer puts San Diego ahead before Messi responds

San Diego made a fast start and took the lead in the 12th minute. Danish forward Dreyer latched on to a through ball from compatriot Jeppe Tverskov before lifting a delicate chip over Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Miami were level in the 24th minute through Messi. The Argentine curled a free-kick from the edge of the area through a crowded six-yard box, with the ball clipping the inside of the post before going into the net.

The goal was Messi’s 101st for Miami and restored parity after San Diego’s early breakthrough. From that point, Miami continued to press for a second goal, with Messi, Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul all having chances as the home side sought to turn their possession into an advantage on the scoreline.

San Diego, though, withstood that pressure for a substantial period. The visitors remained in the contest despite Miami’s sustained attacking spells, keeping the match level into the latter stages.

Suarez strike overturned by late San Diego reply

Miami finally went ahead in the 74th minute. De Paul released Suarez with a clever pass on the edge of the area, and the Uruguayan finished to put the champions 2-1 up.

With the game entering the final 10 minutes, Suarez’s goal appeared set to deliver a comeback win for Miami. Instead, San Diego found an equaliser that closely resembled their opener.

Tverskov again picked out Dreyer with a precise pass over the top, and Dreyer finished coolly to make it 2-2. His second goal secured a draw for San Diego and denied Miami the chance to reduce the gap to Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The closing stages remained eventful. San Diego nearly won the match deep into stoppage time when Kieran Sargeant had a counterattacking effort, but St. Clair made the block.

The final whistle confirmed a point apiece after an open contest in which San Diego led twice and Miami responded twice. Messi’s milestone goal and Suarez’s second-half finish were not enough to produce a home victory, while Dreyer’s two goals proved decisive in ensuring San Diego left Florida with a draw.

What the draw means for Miami

Miami’s immediate objective had been to close on Nashville in the Eastern Conference race. Instead, the draw leaves them 11 points adrift with eight regular-season fixtures still to play.

For San Diego, Dreyer’s finishing and Tverskov’s two key passes shaped the result. Miami will look back on the chances created after Messi’s equaliser and on the late lead supplied by Suarez, but San Diego’s second response ensured the match ended 2-2.