Messi's Miami Magic Stalled: Late Goal Denies Inter Miami Victory Against NYCFC

Inter Miami's pursuit of a record-breaking season in Major League Soccer hit a snag on Saturday, as a last-minute equalizer from James Sands salvaged a 1-1 draw for New York City FC against the Eastern Conference leaders.

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      <h4 __cpp="1">Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was left frustrated after his side conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with New York City FC</h4>
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        Vincent Carchietta
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Miami, already assured of their playoff berth, seemed destined for their 20th win of the season after Lionel Messi orchestrated a 75th-minute goal for Leonardo Campana at Yankee Stadium, putting them ahead 1-0.

However, the away side's triumph was snatched away in dramatic fashion. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, New York defender Sands soared to meet a corner kick from Santiago Rodriguez, sending a powerful header past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to level the score.

The draw puts a dent in Miami's hopes of surpassing New England's single-season points record of 73 set in 2021. To equal the Revolution's mark, Gerardo Martino's squad needs nine points from their final four games. To break the record, they must earn 10 from 12.

While the late equalizer left Miami disappointed, NYCFC's point was well-deserved. They missed several opportunities to take the lead, with Messi narrowly avoiding opening the scoring with a free-kick in the fourth minute.

Despite New York's early dominance, Miami found their rhythm in the second half. Messi's pass to Jordi Alba led to Campana's goal, which appeared to secure victory. But Rodriguez's precise corner kick in the final minutes allowed Sands to head home the equalizer, denying Miami a hard-fought win.

Messi's Miami Magic Stalled: Late Goal Denies Inter Miami Victory Against NYCFC