Can you believe Nashville rescued a point in Miami? The visitors fought back, with Sam Surridge’s double earning a draw in a top‑of‑the‑table clash, while Messi’s 99th club goal gave Miami a 2‑1 lead in the 62nd minute.
Over the past three seasons Miami and Nashville have become Eastern Conference rivals, meeting in cups, playoffs and marquee games. No MLS side has yielded more goals to Messi than Nashville, and the Argentine marked his 17th strike in 14 matches against them on Saturday.
After a gritty battle in humid South Florida, the visitors left Nu Stadium with heads held high. Surridge opened the scoring in the fourth minute, then netted the equaliser in stoppage‑time from close range, delivering a complete performance for a side Miami needed to beat.
In my view, Hoyos has become the emblem of Miami’s erratic form, despite Messi leading the race for a third straight MLS MVP. The club has managed just one win in its last nine outings, a stark contrast to its lofty ambitions.
A close friend of Messi’s, Hoyos has stalled the defending champions’ progress in 2026. Cristian “Kily” González is set to take over once his work visa is approved, promising a fresh direction.
Nashville, however, has looked and played like the league’s elite this year. B.J. Callaghan’s squad enjoys a nine‑point cushion over Miami in the Eastern Conference and sits eight points ahead of Vancouver in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Surridge notched his 15th goal of the season on Saturday, while Messi tops the MLS golden boot chart with 19 strikes.
Nominated this week for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Messi left the match dejected as Miami slammed three shots on the post, the last coming in the 94th minute after Rodrigo De Paul’s close‑range effort nearly clinched a win.
Ultimately it was another frustrating night for Miami, yet Nashville may recall it as a turning point in what could become a storybook campaign.
Nashville will host a confident Chicago Fire team on Sept. 19, while Miami travels to face San Diego FC on Sept. 20 at Nu Stadium. Will Nashville keep its momentum against Chicago and clinch the conference?
Nashville SC clawed its way to a draw in Miami on Saturday night behind a Sam Surridge brace in a top‑of‑the‑table clash versus Inter Miami.