Leo Messi, Sam Surridge shine in Supporters' Shield slugfest

MIAMI – MLS Matchday 26's Walmart Saturday Showdown between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC was billed as an instant classic. It did not disappoint.

The reigning MLS Cup presented by Audi champions and current Supporters' Shield leaders played to a thrilling 2-2 draw , with Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge taking center stage at Nu Stadium.

The Argentine No. 10's legendary left foot delivered the second of Miami's goals that were bookended by a Surridge brace, including the 91st-minute equalizer.

"This was a big boys' game tonight," Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan told reporters postmatch. "Two really good teams going toe to toe."

Saturday's result maintained Nashville's nine-point lead over Miami on top of the East Conference, while keeping them eight points clear of Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Shield race, with nine matches left to play.

It also helped the Coyotes reinforce their recent dominance of the Herons. After eliminating Miami in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, Nashville produced a statement 4-1 blowout victory at GEODIS Park last month in MLS action.

"I thought the game had a lot of intensity, a lot of physicality, some high-level play," said Callaghan.

Unsurprisingly, Messi had a major part to play on the night.

The back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP scored a brilliant first-time curler in the 62nd minute, retaking sole possession of the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi lead over FC Dallas star Petar Musa with 19g/13a on the season.

"God gave him this gift," interim manager Guillermo Hoyos said of Messi's latest masterpiece. "... He's a one-of-a-kind player, he's one of a kind. He cannot be repeated."

However, Surridge had the last word at Nu Stadium.

After giving Nashville a fourth-minute lead, the Designated Player striker came to the rescue in second-half stoppage time, poking home the last-gasp equalizer off a Dayne St. Clair rebound.

With the brace, Surridge improved to 15g/1a while helping the Coyotes take one step further towards the Shield.