Messi scores again as Nashville snatch draw against Inter Miami

Lionel Messi continued his brilliance against Nashville SC, scoring a goal in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with their visitors during the match that took place early on Sunday, as part of the American football league, in a clash between the leaders and runners-up of the Eastern Conference.

Nashville SC opened the scoring early in the 4th minute through English striker Sam Surridge, who capitalised on a break in the offside trap and struck a low shot that settled in the bottom corner of the Inter Miami goal.

Inter Miami equalised in the middle of the first half after a corner taken by Messi was inadvertently headed into his own net by Nashville SC defender Reed Baker-Whiting.

In the 62nd minute, Messi put Inter Miami ahead with a stunning goal, after collaborating with his former Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul at the edge of the penalty area, before unleashing a curled shot that goalkeeper Brian Schwaik could not stop.

Lionel Messi missed several chances to extend his team's lead, as one of his shots hit the crossbar in the 50th minute, while another attempt struck the post in the 78th minute. Additionally, Nashville SC defender Jaison Palacios intervened at the last moment to clear an effort from the Argentine star.

In stoppage time, Siraj scored his second goal of the match from close range, earning Nashville a valuable point and preventing Inter Miami from securing the win. Messi, aged 39, has now scored 17 goals in 14 matches against Nashville since joining Inter Miami in 2023, while his team now trails the leaders by 9 points with 9 matches remaining in the regular season.