Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, but Inter Miami were unable to turn his milestone strike into victory as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Thursday morning Bangladesh time.
The result leaves Miami further adrift of leaders Nashville in the league standings. After 20 matches, Miami have collected 39 points from 11 wins and six draws, while Nashville have 46 points from the same number of games.
Philadelphia made the brighter start and took the lead in the 11th minute. Indiana Vassilev finished a move created by an assist from Francis Westfield, giving the home side an early advantage.
Miami responded quickly. Ten minutes after conceding, Daniel Pintar restored parity after receiving a pass from Luis Suárez. The equaliser shifted the momentum towards the visitors, who soon completed the turnaround.
Five minutes after Pintar’s goal, Ian Fray found Messi on the right side of the penalty area. The Argentine forward produced a trademark piece of close control, using his left foot to evade three Philadelphia defenders before curling a low shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The goal was Messi’s 13th in the league this season. It also carried added significance as it was his first goal since the death of his father.
Miami continued to search for a third goal after taking the lead, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Philadelphia, meanwhile, increased the pressure as they looked for an equaliser. Their persistent attacks eventually paid off in the 58th minute when Neil Pierre headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2.
Philadelphia appeared to complete the comeback only three minutes later, but the goal was ruled out because Pierre had been offside during the build-up.
The hosts continued to threaten. Kavan Sullivan produced an excellent pass to create a one-on-one opportunity, but the Philadelphia attacker failed to beat the goalkeeper. Sullivan later attempted to find the net himself, but without success.
The match ended in further controversy in stoppage time. Quinn Sullivan was fouled inside the penalty area, and a confrontation subsequently broke out between him and a Miami player. Kavan Sullivan intervened to protect his brother, leading to a physical altercation.
After order was restored, the referee showed red cards to Kavan Sullivan and Miami’s Yannick Bright. Quinn Sullivan was shown a yellow card.
The disciplinary incidents added an unhappy ending for the Sullivan brothers, who have both featured for Philadelphia. Despite their efforts during the match, neither the brothers nor Messi could influence the result enough to produce a winner.
For Miami, the draw represents another missed opportunity in the race near the top of the standings. Their 39-point tally leaves them seven points behind Nashville after 20 matches, making consistency increasingly important as the MLS season progresses.
Messi’s goal will nevertheless stand out as the individual highlight of the contest. His ability to create and finish the chance under pressure once again proved decisive in attack, although Miami ultimately had to settle for a point after surrendering their lead.
