Messi Scores 101st Goal as Inter Miami Draws Again, Frustrations Mount

Lionel Messi reached an impressive 101 goals for Inter Miami with a trademark free-kick, yet the team settled for a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC in their MLS clash. New coach Kily Gonzalez faced frustration as defensive mistakes cost his side valuable points, preventing them from climbing higher in the Eastern Conference.

Match Highlights

• Early goal: Anders Dreyer put San Diego ahead early on.
• Equalizer: Messi curled in a precise free-kick to level the score.
• Miami lead: Luis Suarez scored in the 74th minute, appearing to secure the win.
• Late equalizer: Dreyer completed his brace with a late goal, denying Miami the victory.

This result extended Inter Miami's run to four straight draws and was a disappointing league debut for Gonzalez. The team now sits third in the Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Nashville by 11 points.

Gonzalez Criticizes Defensive Mistakes

Despite the offensive skill displayed by Messi and Suarez, Gonzalez expressed clear dissatisfaction with his team's defensive lapses. He appeared visibly upset on the sidelines after San Diego capitalized on a ball over the defense.

"We've been here four days and haven't had proper training. Defensively, we must be much stronger," Gonzalez told ESPN. "We can't keep making these defensive errors; they come at a heavy price. That final moment shouldn't have happened. It's surreal to be in a position to win yet nearly lose. Our goalkeeper saved us."

Complacency Creeping In?

Messi's goal was his 20th league tally this season and his eighth free-kick since joining MLS in 2023. This milestone came shortly after he hit 100 goals for the club during a Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul. Still, Gonzalez hinted that recent achievements might have led to some loss of focus.

"I think the Campeones Cup may have had an unconscious effect, especially in the first half, causing some complacency," the manager admitted. "At a club where winning every match is expected, we need to step up. Positively, there were good moments, but I have to improve our defense—that worries me most."

Looking Ahead

Inter Miami will prepare for a vital away game against the Columbus Crew next Sunday, aiming to break their streak of draws and close the gap at the top of the table. Meanwhile, San Diego FC will visit Austin FC on Saturday.

• Austin FC vs San Diego FC – 27 Sept 2026, 03:30
• Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami – 28 Sept 2026, 02:00