Lionel Messi delivered another trademark moment of magic, but Inter Miami were forced to share the points after San Diego FC fought back for a 2-2 draw in MLS on Sunday night.
The Argentine forward reached 930 career goals with a superb free-kick, adding another landmark to an already remarkable scoring record.
San Diego made the brighter start and took the lead in the 12th minute. Anders Dreyer connected with Jeppe Tverskov’s through ball before lifting his finish over Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Messi quickly brought his side back into the contest.
Twelve minutes after San Diego’s opener, the 39-year-old won a free-kick just outside the box. He took responsibility himself and produced a perfectly placed left-footed effort.
The ball curled over the defensive wall, clipped the post and crossed the goal line beyond CJ dos Santos.
The goal was Messi’s 75th from a free-kick, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. It also took his Inter Miami tally to 101 goals.
Inter Miami continued to push and eventually completed the turnaround in the 74th minute. Luis Suárez put the hosts in front with a finish that appeared to have put them on course for victory.
San Diego had other plans.
Dreyer found the net again in the 82nd minute, scoring his second goal of the night to bring the visitors level and secure a share of the points.
The result means Inter Miami have now drawn their last four MLS matches.
They sit on 46 points from 26 games, having recorded 12 victories, four defeats and 10 draws.
While Inter Miami dropped two points, Messi added yet another milestone to his extraordinary career, reaching 930 goals and continuing to play a major role in the club’s campaign.
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