The match, which featured the top two sides in the conference, saw Nashville strike first through
Messi's Moment of Magic and Nashville's Late Fightback
The game turned in the 62nd minute when Messi combined with Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the penalty area. The 39-year-old playmaker curled a precise strike from 20 yards out, beating goalkeeper Brian Schwake to give Miami a 2-1 lead. It was a signature moment for the veteran, who has now tallied 17 goals in 14 appearances against Nashville since arriving in Major League Soccer in 2023.
Messi came agonisingly close to extending his side's advantage on multiple occasions. His efforts included a shot that rattled the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute and another that struck the post in the 78th minute. A late attempt was also cleared off the line by Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios, keeping the visitors within striking distance.
Those missed opportunities proved decisive when Surridge struck again in injury time, bundling the ball home from close range to secure a point for Nashville. The result leaves Inter Miami nine points behind their opponents in the Eastern Conference standings with only nine regular-season matches left to play. For Nashville, the late goal was a vital reward for their persistence in a tightly contested battle between the league's frontrunners.
