Lionel Messi's Inter Miami held as Argentina plans national

Lionel Messi's latest goal for Inter Miami was not enough for a win, as a last-gasp equalizer from Nashville SC's Sam Surridge forced a 2-2 draw on Saturday, September 13. The result extends Miami's difficult run to just one win in their last eight league matches, keeping them second in the Eastern Conference.

With the score tied 1-1, Messi broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Taking a pass from Rodrigo De Paul just outside the box, he unleashed a soaring left-footed shot past Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake. It was his league-high 19th goal of the season and his 99th across all competitions for Inter Miami. The goal seemed to have secured three key points for the home side until the final moments.

Nashville's Sam Surridge had other ideas. He scored his second of the night, and 15th of the season, by pouncing on a rebound in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Miami nearly stole it back, but De Paul's shot hit the post in the fourth minute of added time, which was the final kick of the match. The draw means Miami has now drawn three straight games.

Across the Atlantic, the Argentine football community is preparing a unified tribute to Messi following his retirement from international duty. The Argentine Football Association announced that every match in the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament, and in other men's and women's leagues, will feature a minute of applause at the 10-minute mark. This honors the 39-year-old's 21-year career with La Albiceleste.

Messi, who announced his international retirement on Monday, September 8, leaves as Argentina's most capped player with 207 appearances and record scorer with 125 goals. He led the nation to the 2022 World Cup title and two other finals, cementing a legacy that will be celebrated in stadiums nationwide. He continues his club career with Inter Miami.

Reports indicate Messi is set to become the sole owner of Spanish club Deportivo Eldense. The deal, which would see him purchase the club from the Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group, is pending due diligence and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. Ruben Alfaro, the mayor of Elda, confirmed an agreement in principle exists.

This would be Messi's second investment in a Spanish club in just a few months, following his purchase of a stake in fifth-division UE Cornella in April 2026. CD Eldense, based in Alicante, plays in a stadium with a capacity of around 5,800. Messi's involvement is expected to dramatically increase the club's international profile.

The eight-time winner has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or for a 17th time, a record that shows his enduring elite status. His nomination comes after he helped inspire Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. In that tournament, Messi scored eight goals, a tally bettered only by Kylian Mbappe's ten. His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not make the shortlist this year.

• Match Impact: Messi's 19th MLS goal was canceled by a 91st-minute equalizer, resulting in a 2-2 draw for Inter Miami against Nashville SC on September 13.
• National Honor: All Argentine league matches will pause for a minute of applause at the 10th minute to honor Messi's international retirement after 207 caps and 125 goals.
• Business Move: Messi is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the full owner of Spanish club CD Eldense, adding to his stake in UE Cornella.