Lionel Messi scored a curling strike for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC, keeping the two Eastern Conference leaders deadlocked in the MLS standings according to match reports. The Argentine forward delivered his 17th career goal against Nashville across 14 matches, momentarily giving his side a 2-1 lead during the second-half encounter.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Inter Miami fought to a stalemate at home against Nashville SC in a clash featuring the top two teams in the MLS Eastern Conference. According to match accounts, Messi put the defending champions ahead in the 62nd minute by curling a precise shot past the goalkeeper at the Nu Stadium. Nashville striker Sam Surridge later leveled the score during stoppage time, securing a point for the Tennessee club.
Messi also contributed to Miami’s opening goal sequence by delivering a corner kick that forced an own goal from Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting. Throughout the match, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner rattled the goalposts twice with powerful long-range efforts.
MLS Eastern Conference Standings
Following the 2-2 draw, Nashville holds 53 points at the summit of the Eastern Conference table. Inter Miami sits in second place with 44 points, trailing the leaders by nine points with nine regular-season matches remaining in the calendar-year campaign, which runs from February to December.
https://x.com/i/status/2098941062333047080
The rivalry between the two conference heavyweights highlights the stretch run of the MLS season.
Messi MLS Campaign and Career Context
Since arriving in Major League Soccer in 2023 following stints with FC Barcelone and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has proven a prolific fixture against Nashville. The forward remains in competition for individual accolades while navigating his club commitments following his retirement from international play with Argentina, announced in late August.
Worth a look