Lionel Messi reached a landmark 99 goals across all competitions for Inter Miami on 13 September, but the milestone strike could not secure all three points as the Florida side were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Nashville SC in MLS regular season action at Nu Stadium. A late stoppage-time equaliser from the visitors denied Miami what would have been a hard-fought victory.

How the Goals Fell

Nashville SC took the lead as early as the 4th minute through a strike from Sam Surridge, putting the hosts on the back foot from the opening stages. Inter Miami levelled at 1-1 in the 19th minute through an own goal — a corner delivery from Messi was deflected into the net by Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting.

The scoreline stayed level through the first half, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the break. Miami went closest just after the restart when Messi's left-footed effort in the 50th minute rattled the crossbar.

Messi's Record-Breaking Strike

The Argentine captain made no mistake in the 62nd minute, receiving a pass from De Paul in a central position just outside the box before unleashing a first-time left-footed finish to the far post. The goal — his 19th of the MLS regular season — moved Messi to the top of the race for the MLS Golden Boot and brought up his 99th goal for Inter Miami across all competitions since joining the club in 2023.

Late Drama and Nashville's Leveller

Inter Miami came close to extending their advantage in the 78th minute through a double chance. A shot from Suárez was parried by Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake, and Messi's follow-up deflected off the post. Nashville punished Miami's failure to kill off the game when Surridge completed his brace in the first minute of stoppage time to make it 2-2.

Miami pushed for a winner deep in added time, with De Paul's effort from the right of the box striking the left post in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but the 2-2 scoreline was not to change.

Galarza Makes His Debut

The 66th minute brought a notable off-the-ball moment as recently signed Paraguayan international midfielder Matías Galarza came on for Segovia, making his debut for Inter Miami. The introduction of the new signing signals squad depth being built ahead of the playoff push.

What This Means for Miami

The draw means Inter Miami drop two points at home, though Messi's individual milestone and his continued Golden Boot lead remain bright spots. With the MLS regular season in its closing stages, every dropped point adds pressure on the standings race. The 99-goal marker also sets up what promises to be a much-anticipated landmark moment when Messi reaches his century for the club.