Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami draw for fourth straight game against San Diego

Inter Miami extended their run of draws in the American league to four matches after being held to a 2-2 draw by San Diego in round 26.

Lionel Messi was on target for Inter Miami, cancelling out San Diego’s early opener before Luis Suarez put the visitors ahead in the second half. However, San Diego secured a point with a late equaliser.

San Diego took the lead in the 12th minute through Dreyer. Messi levelled the match 11 minutes later, converting a free-kick in the 23rd minute.

Inter Miami regained the advantage in the 75th minute when Suarez finished a move created by Rodrigo De Paul. San Diego responded seven minutes later, with Dreyer scoring again to make it 2-2 in the 82nd minute.

The result leaves Inter Miami on 46 points in second place in the Eastern Conference, level with New England. Nashville lead the conference outright on 57 points.

San Diego sit 10th in the Western Conference with 31 points, one point behind the positions that qualify for the play-off round.

Messi’s goal also moved him clear at the top of the American league’s scoring chart. The Inter Miami forward now has 20 goals, two more than Croatian striker Petar Musa of Dallas.

Inter Miami have now drawn four consecutive matches in the league as they continue their campaign in the Eastern Conference standings.

The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the round of 16. Teams finishing eighth and ninth enter a play-off for the remaining places.

Inter Miami’s next match is against Columbus Crew in the early hours of next Monday.