San Diego Holds Inter Miami to Fourth Straight Draw Despite Messi Goal

Late Drama in Miami

Inter Miami played to their fourth consecutive MLS draw on Sunday night, finishing 2-2 against San Diego FC. It was the first league match for Miami's new manager, Kily González, who watched his team give up a late lead.

Anders Dreyer opened the scoring for San Diego in the 12th minute. He took a pass from Jeppe Tverskov and chipped the ball over Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Lionel Messi responded for Miami in the 24th minute. His free kick went through the penalty area untouched and into the net. It was Messi's 20th league goal of the season and his 101st overall for the club.

Defensive Mistakes Cost Miami

Luis Suárez put Miami ahead 2-1 in the 74th minute. The goal looked like it would push Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference. However, Dreyer struck again in the 82nd minute, scoring his second goal after getting behind the Miami defense.

The draw leaves Miami in third place with 46 points, holding a record of 12-4-10. They are now 11 points behind first-place Nashville.

González was not happy with his team's defensive display. He noted that the team had only been together for four days and lacked proper training time.

"We can't commit these defensive horrors, they come at a high cost," González said. He added that the team only avoided defeat because of saves made by their goalkeeper.

Cup Hangover and Next Fixtures

Miami's manager suggested that a midweek 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup might have caused some first-half complacency. Messi had scored his 100th goal for the club in that match. González emphasized that the team must rise to the occasion and fix their defensive issues.

Both teams will head on the road for their next matches. San Diego will play Austin FC on Saturday. Inter Miami will travel to face the Columbus Crew next Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, FIFA also announced that Nu Stadium, Inter Miami's home venue, will host the final phase of the 2027 FIFA Women's Champions Cup in January.