Inter Miami and Nashville SC draw 2-2 in MLS clash

Inter Miami and Nashville SC played to a 2-2 draw in a top-of-the-table MLS Eastern Conference clash on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The result at Miami's Chase Stadium left Nashville with a nine-point lead over Inter Miami in the conference standings with nine regular-season games remaining. Nashville took an early lead when striker Sam Surridge beat the offside trap and fired a low shot into the bottom corner in the fourth minute. Inter Miami equalized in the 19th minute from an own goal. A dangerous inswinging corner from Lionel Messi was deflected into the net by Nashville defender Reed Baker-Whiting. Messi gave Inter Miami the lead in the 62nd minute. He combined with former Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the penalty area before curling a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Brian Schwake. The goal was Messi's 99th for Inter Miami in all competitions since joining the club in 2023. Inter Miami had opportunities to extend their lead but were denied by the woodwork. Messi saw a shot strike the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute and another effort hit the post in the 78th minute. A late attempt from De Paul also struck the post in stoppage time.