Lionel Messi helps Inter Miami set new club record in dramatic Philadelphia draw

Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami set a club record in Saturday's thrilling 3-3 draw against Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

Quinn Sullivan and Tai Baribo grabbed a goal apiece to give Philadelphia a two-goal lead at the break, before Inter Miami's Tadeo Allende halved the deficit on the hour mark.

Inter Miami looked set to fall to back-to-back defeats when Baribo netted his second goal of the game in the 73rd minute to give the Union a 3-1 lead.

However, Messi inspired a late fightback to rescue a point and create a piece of franchise history in the process.

MESSI MAGIC 🪄

An absolute rocket of a free kick for Leo. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/KTd82bMcjS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 25, 2025

Messi helps Inter Miami in historic draw

The Inter Miami star produced one of his trademark free kicks in the 87th minute, with his strike proving too powerful for Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick.

Messi also had a helping hand in Inter Miami's 95th-minute equaliser, knocking the ball into the path of substitute Telasco Segovia, who rode a challenge before drilling an unstoppable shot into the top corner to salvage a draw.

As a result of the late comeback, the Herons overturned a two-goal deficit after the 85th minute for the first time in the club's history.

Javier Mascherano's side also became the first franchise to achieve the feat in an MLS match since the 2023 season.

OMG TELASCO SEGOVIA! 😱

What a golazo in the 95th minute to save a point for @InterMiamiCF. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/v8wbvYIN5j

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 25, 2025

Inter Miami's defensive concerns

While they would have been relieved to salvage a point, Inter Miami will be frustrated by the fact that they have gone four matches without a win since they beat New York Red Bulls earlier this month (D2, L2).

The Herons will be particularly concerned by their recent defensive struggles, having conceded at least three goals in each of their previous four games.

Only DC United and Montreal have conceded more goals in the Eastern Conference than Inter Miami, who have shipped 24 goals in 14 MLS matches this season.

They are currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference after winning six, drawing five and losing three of their 14 games this term.

Inter Miami will look to return to winning ways on Wednesday when they welcome Montreal to Chase Stadium for an MLS encounter.