Lionel Messi was on target but he could not help new Inter Miami coach Kily Gonzalez record a debut MLS victory as San Diego claimed a deserved 2-2 draw at Nu Stadium. Messi netted his 101st Miami goal but was overshadowed by San Diegos Anders Dreyer, who opened the scoring in the 12th-minute and then grabbed an 82nd-minute equaliser after Luis Suarez had put the hosts in front.It was a disappointing outcome for Gonzalez, who was finally able to sit in the dugout for a league game after an issue with a work visa was resolved.Weve been here for four days and havent been able to train properly. Defensively, we really need to be much stronger, Gonzlez said.We cant commit these defensive horrors, they come at a high cost. That final situation shouldnt have happened. Its surreal to be in a position to win the game, yet nearly lose it.We only avoided defeat because our goalkeeper saved us.Gonzalez claims Inter Miami were complacentGonzalezs first match in charge was the midweek win over Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup and the Argentine felt his side were still feeling riding the wave of that encounter.I think the Campeones Cup might have had an unconscious effect, especially in the first half, leading to a bit of complacency, Gonzlez added. These are factors that are part of football. At a club where we are obliged to win every match we play, we have to rise to the occasion. We made significant adjustments at halftime to get the team flowing and ensure we stayed compact, keeping the lines tight so we wouldnt suffer the way we did in the first half.Messis goal came via a 24th-minute free-kick that drifted past everyone in the box and flew into the far corner. It was his 20th league goal of the season but it was not enough to prevent Miami from recording a fourth successive draw.The Floridian club are now third in the Eastern Conference, 11 points behind Nashville who have clinched a play-off spot. Topics Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi San Diego FC Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Beckham backs Messi over Kane for Ballon dOr after inspiring Inter Miami to Campeones Cup Mitch Fretton 17th September, 2026 Lionel Messi goal not enough as Inter Miamis miserable run continues Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 Inter Miami v Nashville: Preview, expected line-ups, stats Mitch Fretton 11th September, 2026 Who are you dummy? Ive won two Copas America and the World Cup Messis mate De Paul lashes out at Lewandowski Jon Fisher 10th September, 2026 Chicago Fire v Inter Miami: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Ballon dOr contender Messi heads to Soldier Field Jon Fisher 9th September, 2026 Messi bags two assists for Inter Miami in first match after Argentina retirement Mitch Fretton 6th September, 2026
