Nashville Holds Lead with Late Equalizer in 2-2 Draw at Inter Miami

On September 13, 2026, Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC earned a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami CF. Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the fourth minute, finishing an Andy Najar pass for his 14th league goal. Inter Miami equalized in the 19th minute when defender Reed Baker-Whiting redirected a Lionel Messi corner into his own net. Messi then gave Miami the lead in the 62nd minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box, his 19th MLS goal of the season and 99th for the club. Surridge answered in first-minute stoppage time, tapping in his second of the night to secure the point.

Messi Scores 19th Goal But Miami Draws With Nashville Messi scores 19th MLS goal as Inter Miami draws 2-2 with Nashville Messi stunner fails to lift Miami past draw 2-2 with Nashville Messi scores his 19th MLS goal as Inter Miami draws 2-2 with Nashville Lionel Messi closes in on magical milestone of 100 goals for Inter Miami Lionel Messi closes in on magic milestone for Inter Miami ESPNThe Tennessean

Both clubs entered the match as 2026 expansion-team rivals that have faced each other four times this season, with Nashville unbeaten in those meetings. Nashville’s 16-6-3 record (54 points) places them nine points ahead of Miami’s 12-9-4 record (45 points) in the Eastern Conference, a gap that also defines the Supporters’ Shield race. Earlier in the season, Nashville eliminated Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup and defeated them 4-1 on August 15.

Messi scores his 19th MLS goal as Inter Miami draws 2-2 with Nashville

• Points & Standings: Nashville 54 pts (9-point lead); Miami 45 pts.

Messi stunner fails to lift Miami past draw 2-2 with Nashville

• Goals: Messi 19 MLS goals (league-leading); Surridge 15 league goals (third in MLS).

Renasant Recap: Nashville Soccer Club Maintains Eastern Conference Lead with 2-2 Draw at Inter Miami

• Possession: Miami ~58 % of total ball time.

Messi stunner fails to lift Miami past draw 2-2 with Nashville

• Shots on Target: Miami 5; Nashville 3.

Messi stunner fails to lift Miami past draw 2-2 with Nashville

• Season-to-Date Meetings: Nashville unbeaten in four matches vs. Miami (including a 4-1 win on August 15).

Messi scores his 19th MLS goal as Inter Miami draws 2-2 with Nashville

• Facundo Mura, Miami defender: “We have great players, and we have to compete for every trophy we play for.” “We have great players, and we have to compete for every trophy we play for,” — Facundo Mura

ESPN

• **B.J. “That's part of his responsibility is to score goals. I'm really happy he was able to get two tonight,” — J. Callaghan, coach

The Tennessean

Local reporters described a physically intense second half, with Miami dominating possession but failing to convert multiple chances. Messi’s 62nd-minute goal sparked a chorus of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” from the Nu Stadium crowd, yet Nashville’s defense held firm until the stoppage-time equalizer. Miami’s goalkeeper Brian Schwake made several saves, including a post-side effort that struck the crossbar earlier in the half.

ABC Miami Local 10 WPLG

The draw preserves Nashville’s nine-point cushion with nine matches remaining, keeping them on track to claim the Supporters’ Shield. For Miami, the result extends a recent slump—only one win in the previous six MLS matches—and leaves them needing a strong finish to stay in contention for the Eastern Conference title and the Shield.

ESPN

All sources agree on the final score, goal timings, and point differentials. No substantive discrepancies were identified regarding the match facts.

The Tennessean

• “We have great players, and we have to compete for every trophy we play for,” — Facundo Mura

ESPN

• “That's part of his responsibility is to score goals. I'm really happy he was able to get two tonight,” — J. Callaghan, coach

The Tennessean