Lionel Messi showcased his timeless brilliance on Saturday, September 12, 2026, scoring a sensational outside-the-box screamer for Inter Miami in a captivating 2-2 Major League Soccer (MLS) draw against Nashville SC. The 39-year-old Argentine maestro’s 62nd-minute strike at Miami’s state-of-the-art Nu Stadium put the Herons ahead, but a dramatic injury-time equalizer from Nashville ensured the points were shared.
Lionel Messi Scores From 20 Yards Out
Lionel Messi’s Enduring Magic
Despite having retired from international football after setting the FIFA World Cup alight for Argentina, Messi continues to defy age in the MLS. His goal against Nashville SC was his MLS-leading 19th goal of the season, a testament to his sustained impact on the league. The strike, a left-footed curl from the edge of the penalty area, came after a combination play with former Argentina international teammate Rodrigo De Paul, leaving Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake with no chance.
A Battle for Eastern Conference Supremacy
The pulsating encounter saw Nashville SC, the league and Eastern Conference leaders, get off to a dream start. English striker Sam Surridge found the back of the net in the fourth minute, slotting a low shot into the bottom corner after springing the offside trap. Inter Miami responded midway through the first half when a wicked in-swinging corner from Messi led to Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting inadvertently heading an own goal to level the score.
Messi nearly added to his tally earlier in the match, seeing a shot crash off the underside of the bar in the 50th minute and another cannon off the post in the 78th minute. A late effort from the superstar was also headed clear by Nashville defender Jeisson Palacios.
Late Drama and Standings Impact
Just as it seemed Messi’s heroics would secure a vital win for Inter Miami, Sam Surridge pounced in injury time, bundling in a close-range equalizer to deny the home side. This result keeps Nashville SC firmly atop the Eastern Conference standings with 54 points, maintaining their nine-point advantage over second-placed Inter Miami, with nine regular season games remaining for both sides.
Nashville SC also extended their unbeaten run against Inter Miami this season across all competitions to four matches, including a 4-1 victory on August 15 and a draw that eliminated Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Key Match Facts
- Match: Inter Miami 2-2 Nashville SC
- Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Venue: Nu Stadium, Miami, Florida (Capacity: 26,700)
- Messi’s Goal: 62nd minute (left-footed, outside the box)
- Inter Miami Scorers: Lionel Messi (62′), Reed Baker-Whiting (OG, 19′)
- Nashville SC Scorers: Sam Surridge (4′, 90+’)
Messi’s performance further solidifies his remarkable record against Nashville SC, having now scored an impressive 17 goals in 14 games against them in all competitions since joining Miami in 2023. This thrilling draw underscores the competitive nature of the MLS and the undeniable impact Messi continues to have on the American football landscape.