Messi’s Miami fight back to draw 2-2

Lionel Messi’s side had taken the lead after 60 minutes of goalless action, but the advantage did not last long. Despite earning a draw, Miami failed to secure a victory in their second match since Messi returned from Spain with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

Messi, who came on as a second-half substitute in the previous match due to travel fatigue, had neither a goal nor an assist as Miami lost 2-0 to New York Red Bulls. He again failed to score or provide an assist on Thursday.

Luis Suarez broke the deadlock in the 61st minute to put Miami ahead. However, Kenzie Mboma Dem equalised for Cincinnati in the 80th minute before Samuel Gidi put the visitors ahead around six minutes later.

Miami looked set for defeat until Fillipi struck in the 90th minute. Cutting in from the left side of the penalty area, he curled the ball into the far corner. Suarez had scored from a similar position earlier in the match. The goal was Fillipi’s first in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The draw leaves Miami third in the Eastern Conference, two points behind second-placed New England, who have 58 points. Both teams have two matches remaining.

Miami will face New England Revolution in their next match. The result could prove crucial in determining the second seed in the Eastern Conference and their seeding for the MLS Cup playoffs.

-AJM