Messi scores and assists in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Union
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 2:39 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Lionel Messi contributed a goal and an assist as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union on August 19. Miami's first goal came when Messi's cross was finished by Daniel Pinter in the 21st minute, followed by Messi's own curling shot from distance in the 26th minute. The Union initially took the lead through Indiana Vassilev's volley, and Neil Pierre later equalized with a header. A potential Union goal by Milan Iloski was ruled offside after a VAR review. The match ended with two red cards issued in stoppage time following a scuffle. Inter Miami currently stands second in the Eastern Conference, with the Union unbeaten in five matches under interim coach Ryan Richter.
- •Messi records his 13th goal and 9th assist of the season.
- •Pinter and Messi scored for Inter Miami; Vassilev and Pierre for the Union.
- •Miami is unbeaten in seven previous matches before this game.
- •Match ended with red cards issued to Yannick Bright and Sullivan.
- •Union remains unbeaten in five matches since Richter's appointment.
- 3:30 AMESPN Soccer — Messi nets, Sullivan sees red in Miami, Philly draw
- 2:13 AMYahoo Sports — Messi has a goal and assist as Inter Miami plays the Union to a 2-2 draw
"Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. Messi’s cross was headed by Luis Suarez into the path of forward Daniel Pinter for the first Inter Miami goal in the 21st minute. Messi cut inside to his preferred left foot from 12 yards out in the 26th and curled a shot into the corner of the net for his first goal since returning to action following the death of his father.
"Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night in an intense match that ended with two players being sent off.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerAug 20, 2026, 3:30 AMMessi nets, Sullivan sees red in Miami, Philly draw
Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night in an intense match that ended with two players being sent off.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 2:13 AMMessi has a goal and assist as Inter Miami plays the Union to a 2-2 draw
Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. Messi’s cross was headed by Luis Suarez into the path of forward Daniel Pinter for the first Inter Miami goal in the 21st minute. Messi cut inside to his preferred left foot from 12 yards out in the 26th and curled a shot into the corner of the net for his first goal since returning to action following the death of his father.
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