NYCFC's Late Goal Steals Point From Messi's Miami: 1-1 Draw at Yankee Stadium

NYCFC Stuns Miami With Last-Minute Equalizer, Denying Messi's Herons a Victory

The New York City Football Club earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. James Sands scored a 95th-minute goal to salvage a point for NYCFC, canceling out Leo Campana's 75th-minute opener for Miami.

Miami's pursuit of the MLS Supporters' Shield took a hit with the draw. The Herons need 10 points from their final four games to surpass the New England Revolution's 2021 record of 73 points. Despite the draw, Miami maintains a nine-point lead in the Supporters' Shield race, but multiple teams below them have games in hand.

Campana put Miami ahead in the 75th minute, receiving a pass from Jordi Alba following a slick play by Lionel Messi. This was Campana's eighth goal of the season and his second in as many games.

NYCFC's winless streak extended to nine matches (0-3-6) with the draw. Their last victory came on July 3 against CF Montreal. Matthew Freese made one save for NYCFC, while Drake Callender made three saves for Miami.

Messi, who returned from an injury sustained during the Copa America final, nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a free kick that sailed just wide. Luis Suarez also had a chance that was thwarted by Robert Taylor running into his shot.

Miami played without star midfielder Sergio Busquets due to a personal matter, according to the Miami Herald. He recently got engaged to his longtime partner, as seen on his Instagram page.

The first half saw NYCFC register the only shot on goal and earn five corner kicks, but neither team was able to find the back of the net.

This hard-fought draw provided a thrilling end to the match and highlights the unpredictable nature of MLS soccer.