Messi’s Miami Stunned by Late Equalizer

On Saturday, New York City FC’s last-minute goal ended Inter Miami’s chances of breaking the Major League Soccer points record. Lionel Messi’s Miami seemed destined to win at Yankee Stadium when Ecuadorian international Leonardo Campana scored in the 75th minute.

Messi’s goal appeared to secure Miami’s 20th win of the season. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, New York City defender James Sands rose above the Miami defenders to head in a Santiago Rodriguez corner kick. The equalizer rocked Miami’s camp, preventing them from surpassing the New England Revolution’s 2021 MLS single-season points mark of 73.

With 64 points from 30 games, Miami needs nine from their final four games to match the record and ten to break it. Despite the late punch, Miami coach Gerardo Martino said New York earned a draw. The hosts threatened all game, missing several chances to keep Miami on edge.

Messi, who has been key to Miami’s success this season, nearly opened the scoring with a fourth-minute free-kick that missed the post. The 11th-minute Santiago Rodriguez free-kick hit the post as New York pressured, nearly taking the lead.

Keaton Parks missed another excellent opportunity after halftime for New York. In the 75th minute, Messi’s fast ball to Jordi Alba set up Campana for a tap-in, apparently sealing the victory for Miami, punishing New York’s wastefulness.

The game was decided when Rodriguez produced a precise corner cross for Sands to forcefully head the ball beyond Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. The draw puts Miami in a tight record race.

Messi and his squad must regroup swiftly and win crucial points in four matches to achieve history. Their postseason spot is secure, but the MLS record is still elusive. As they pursue league greatness, their next match is vital.