Messi Scores as Inter Miami Held to 2-2 Draw by San Diego

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Lionel Messi scored his 101st goal for Inter Miami, but the defending champions were held to a 2-2 draw by San Diego FC in their Major League Soccer (MLS) match in Florida on Sunday.

The result leaves Inter Miami 11 points behind Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, with eight regular-season matches remaining.

San Diego Take Early Lead

San Diego took the lead in the 12th minute through Danish forward Anders Dreyer.

Jeppe Tverskov played a well-weighted through ball to Dreyer, who lifted the ball over Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to give the visitors an early advantage.

Inter Miami responded in the 24th minute when Messi equalised with a curling free kick from the edge of the penalty area.

The Argentine’s effort went through a crowded area, clipped the inside of the post and found the net.

Suarez Puts Miami Ahead

Inter Miami controlled much of the possession after the equaliser and created several opportunities.

Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul all came close to scoring before Miami finally took the lead in the 74th minute.

De Paul provided the assist with a clever pass to Suarez, who finished from inside the area to make it 2-1.

Dreyer Scores Again

San Diego responded late in the match, with Dreyer scoring his second goal of the game to restore parity.

Tverskov once again supplied the pass, finding Dreyer over the top of the Miami defence before the forward calmly finished to make it 2-2.

San Diego nearly completed a late comeback in stoppage time, but St. Clair made an important save to deny Kieran Sargeant.

The points were ultimately shared, leaving Inter Miami with more ground to make up in the Eastern Conference with eight games still to play.