MLS: Messi scores as Inter Miami draw Nashville 2-2

Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami in their MLS Eastern Conference clash against Nashville SC, but the match ended in a 2-2 draw. According to the Free Press Journal, Nashville took the lead in the 4th minute through a goal from Sam Surridge. Inter Miami equalised in the 19th minute through an own goal, as a corner kick delivery from Messi was deflected into the back of the net by Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting.

Messi then scored a 20-yard left-footed strike in the 62nd minute to put Inter Miami ahead, his 19th goal of the MLS season. However, Sam Surridge scored an injury-time equaliser for Nashville, securing a 2-2 draw. This goal was Surridge's second of the match, with Gulf News and Free Press Journal both reporting he scored in the 4th and at the end of the match.

Messi's goal took his tally to 99 goals across all competitions for Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023, and he now leads the race for the MLS Golden Boot.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Free Press Journal, Gulf News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.