Lionel Messi delivered a goal and an assist as Inter Miami earned a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union in an entertaining MLS encounter at Subaru Park.

The Argentine superstar produced a brilliant pass in the buildup to Dániel Pintér’s first MLS goal before scoring a superb individual effort in the 26th minute. Messi immediately pointed toward the sky, dedicating his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

The strike was widely reported as the 922nd goal of Messi’s remarkable senior career. However, Inter Miami could not protect its halftime lead, with Neil Pierre’s second-half header securing a point for Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami match summary

Indiana Vassilev gives Philadelphia an early lead

Philadelphia Union made an energetic start and opened the scoring after only 11 minutes.

Cavan Sullivan helped move the ball down the right before Frankie Westfield delivered a dangerous pass into the penalty area. Indiana Vassilev met it with a powerful first-time finish, beating Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

The home side continued to create opportunities, but Miami responded through the creativity of Messi and the experience of Luis Suárez.

Messi’s brilliant pass creates Inter Miami equalizer

Inter Miami drew level in the 21st minute following an outstanding piece of vision from Messi.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered an accurate ball toward Suárez on the left side of the Philadelphia penalty area. Suárez redirected it with his head, allowing 19-year-old academy product Dániel Pintér to finish from close range.

It was Pintér’s first MLS goal and another example of Messi’s ability to unlock a defence with a single pass. Both Messi and Suárez received assists for their roles in the move, taking their respective league totals to nine and eight.

Just five minutes later, Messi took control of the match himself.

Lionel Messi scores emotional goal for his father

Receiving the ball from Ian Fray near the right side of the penalty area, Messi shifted inside to create a narrow shooting angle. Despite being closely marked, he produced a trademark left-footed finish that curled beyond Andre Blake and into the far corner.

The goal gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead and was Messi’s 13th strike of the 2026 MLS regular season. It also brought him to 22 league goal contributions for the campaign.

More significantly, it was Messi’s first goal since his father, Jorge Messi, died in Rosario on August 8 at the age of 68.

Messi raised both hands and pointed toward the sky immediately after scoring. The emotional celebration reflected the enormous role his father played throughout his life and football career.

The goal was reported as Messi’s 922nd for club and country, as well as his 70th in MLS. He reached the milestone during another influential performance in which he contributed directly to both Inter Miami goals. Hindustan Times reported the career and MLS totals.

Neil Pierre earns Philadelphia a deserved point

Inter Miami entered halftime with a 2-1 advantage, but Philadelphia remained the more active attacking team.

The Union’s pressure was rewarded in the 58th minute. Milan Iloski delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, where 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre attacked the ball and scored with a diving header.

Philadelphia thought it had completed the comeback only a few minutes later when Iloski found the net. A VAR review, however, identified an offside offence in the buildup and the goal was disallowed.

The hosts continued pushing for a winner, but neither team could find another breakthrough. Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were both sent off during a chaotic period of second-half stoppage time.

The official MLS match report confirmed the 2-2 result and the two late dismissals.

Inter Miami survive sustained Philadelphia pressure

Although Inter Miami enjoyed 55.7% possession, Philadelphia produced 18 shots compared with Miami’s six. Dayne St. Clair made five saves to help the visitors leave Subaru Park with a point.

The result moved Inter Miami to 39 points from 20 matches, with a record of 11 victories, six draws and three defeats. The Herons remained firmly involved in the Supporters’ Shield race, although their inability to protect the lead will frustrate the coaching staff.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience by recovering from 2-1 down and nearly completing the comeback.

Messi’s brilliance remains decisive for Inter Miami

Inter Miami did not produce its best collective performance, but Messi once again supplied the defining moments.

His exceptional pass started the move for Pintér’s equalizer, while his beautifully placed finish gave Miami the lead. Even at 39, the Argentine remains capable of changing a match with a single touch, pass or shot.

The final score belonged to both teams, but the most memorable image of the evening was Messi looking toward the sky after career goal number 922—a deeply personal celebration for the father who helped guide his extraordinary journey.

BANGBET MORE THAN WIN!