Image Source: cbs8.com
Messi scored for Inter Miami, but San Diego produced a spirited comeback to claim a 2-2 draw in Major League Soccer on Monday, 21 September 2026. The result featured four goals, two from San Diego forward A. Dreyer, and a tense finish at Nu Stadium.
Messi Scores as Inter Miami Are Held in Thrilling MLS Draw
Inter Miami looked set to take control after Messi cancelled out San Diego’s early advantage. However, Dreyer’s second goal in the 82nd minute rescued a valuable point for the visitors and denied the hosts a home victory.
San Diego opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Dreyer found the net, with J. Tverskov credited with the assist. Inter Miami responded through Messi in the 24th minute, bringing the match level at 1-1 before half-time.
The game remained finely balanced after the interval. Inter Miami eventually moved in front in the 74th minute, when Luis Suárez finished an attack assisted by R. De Paul. The lead lasted only eight minutes, as Dreyer struck again to complete his brace and set up a dramatic conclusion.
Explosive Second Half Keeps Fans on Edge
Both teams created opportunities during an open contest, but Inter Miami were unable to protect their advantage. San Diego’s persistence was rewarded late, while the hosts were left to settle for a draw despite producing more attempts.
- Final score: Inter Miami 2-2 San Diego
- Inter Miami scorers: Messi, 24; Luis Suárez, 74
- San Diego scorer: A. Dreyer, 12 and 82
- Venue: Nu Stadium
- Attendance: 25,743
The match statistics underlined the contrast between the two sides. Inter Miami registered 19 shots, including eight on target, while San Diego managed eight shots and three on target. Despite that difference, the visitors had slightly more possession, controlling 51.8% compared with Inter Miami’s 48.2%.
San Diego goalkeeper CJ dos Santos was particularly busy, making six saves. Inter Miami goalkeeper D. St. Clair made one save as the home side’s defence faced fewer efforts overall but could not prevent either Dreyer goal.
Inter Miami Remain Third in the Eastern Conference
The draw leaves Inter Miami third in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 26 matches. Nashville SC lead the conference with 57 points, while New England Revolution sit second on 46 points. Inter Miami’s recent form includes a sequence of draws, making the dropped lead against San Diego another frustrating result in the playoff race.
San Diego remain 10th in the Western Conference with 31 points. The club is currently outside the positions marked for the final series, although the point earned in Florida could prove important as the regular season develops.
Inter Miami manager Cristian González named Messi and Suárez in attack, with R. De Paul operating in midfield. San Diego manager Mikey Varas set his side up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Dreyer leading the attacking line alongside M. Ingvartsen and E. Achouri.
What the Result Means for Messi and Miami
Messi’s goal continues his influence in a match where Inter Miami needed moments of individual quality. His equalizer changed the momentum after San Diego’s early breakthrough, while Suárez’s second-half finish appeared to put the hosts on course for all three points.
Yet the defensive issues will concern Inter Miami. The team committed 20 fouls and collected two yellow cards, while San Diego committed 10 fouls and received one booking. The late equalizer also highlighted the need for greater concentration during the closing stages of matches.
For San Diego, the performance offered evidence of resilience. The visitors fell behind after Messi’s goal and again after Suárez put Inter Miami ahead, but Dreyer’s finishing ensured they left with a deserved share of the points.
As reported in the BBC match data, the 2-2 scoreline reflected an entertaining contest in which Inter Miami had the greater attacking output but San Diego showed greater efficiency. Both clubs will now look ahead to their next MLS fixtures with important points still at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi and Inter Miami
Did Messi score against San Diego?
Yes. Messi scored Inter Miami’s first goal in the 24th minute to make the score 1-1.
What was the final score between Inter Miami and San Diego?
The match ended Inter Miami 2-2 San Diego at full time.
Who scored San Diego’s goals?
A. Dreyer scored both San Diego goals, finding the net in the 12th and 82nd minutes.
How many points does Inter Miami have?
Inter Miami have 46 points and sit third in the Eastern Conference according to the table provided after the match.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Nu Stadium in front of an attendance of 25,743.
