Few matches in this Major League Soccer season were as electrifying as Inter Miami’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on May 24, 2025. Miami, at one point staring down the barrel of another disappointing loss, flipped the script in the final minutes—thanks largely to a certain Argentinian superstar who reminded everyone why he’s still the heartbeat of any team he plays for.
Philadelphia seemed in full control as the game edged into its last stretch. Tai Baribo, always sharp in front of goal, struck twice to put the Union into a commanding 3-1 lead by the 70th minute. Add in the Union’s home crowd and their strong run of form, and it looked like Miami would be heading home with yet another defeat. Miami had only recently escaped a run with five losses in their previous seven matches, and the pressure was mounting.
But Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano didn’t accept defeat. After the final whistle, he summed up the match with a phrase that resonated: "We showed we have soul." His words echoed the feelings of every Miami player and fan after what unfolded in those frantic final moments.
The spark ignited in the 60th minute when Tadeo Allende seized a golden opportunity. Noah Allen whipped in a low cross that, thanks to some suspect defending from Philadelphia, found Allende’s feet. He made no mistake—cutting the deficit to 2-1 and giving Miami a flicker of hope.
Yet Philly wasn’t done. Baribo’s second goal could’ve crushed Miami’s spirit; instead, it set the stage for something special. Miami refused to let up, and suddenly the Union’s backline looked rattled.
Then, the Messi magic. With just three minutes of regulation left, Messi stood over a free kick on the edge of the box. The tension was thick, but the result felt inevitable to those familiar with his catalog of jaw-dropping set pieces. He curled the ball with precision and power into the top corner, making it 3-2 and silencing the Philadelphia faithful. It was Messi’s first MLS assist this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
The energy shifted instantly. Miami pressed higher, desperate for an equalizer, and Philadelphia’s lead suddenly looked precarious. Deep into stoppage time—now the 95th minute—Messi played provider, finding Telasco Segovia outside the box. Segovia unleashed a low, driven shot that snuck past Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick, sending Miami’s bench into wild celebrations.
Philly, who had bossed the game for long spells, were stunned. Their three-game winning streak snapped, though they still keep their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference. But this collapse felt more like Miami’s triumph of belief than Philadelphia’s blunder.
For Inter Miami, this comeback means more than a simple point on the table. It ends a damaging run of form and injects some much-needed confidence as they look ahead to more high-stakes fixtures, including preparation for the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup. In a season where every point counts and the pressure is unrelenting, Messi’s influence and the team’s resilience have suddenly put Miami back in the playoff conversation.
If this match is anything to go by, Miami fans might be in for more heart-stopping moments soon. One thing is clear—when you’ve got Messi and a team that refuses to roll over, no game is ever lost too early.
