Messi, Miami frustrated by New York late leveler

Inter Miami's quest for Major League Soccer's single-season points record hit a stumbling block on Saturday as James Sands scored a last-minute equalizer in injury time, securing a 1-1 draw for New York City FC against the Eastern Conference leaders.

Miami, already assured of a playoff spot, appeared to be on track for their 20th win of the season after Lionel Messi set up a 75th-minute goal for Ecuadorian international Leonardo Campana, giving them a 1-0 lead at Yankee Stadium.

However, with victory in sight for Miami, New York City's Sands rose high to meet a Santiago Rodriguez corner in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time, powering a header past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to salvage a point for the hosts.

The result is a blow to Miami's chances of surpassing New England Revolution’s all-time single-season points record of 73, set in 2021.

Miami now sits on 64 points from 30 games, needing nine points from their remaining 12 available to equal New England’s record, or 10 points to break it.

Despite the late heartbreak, Miami couldn’t have too many complaints as New York City FC earned a well-deserved draw in the early Saturday clash.

New York had opportunities to take the lead earlier but was let down by poor finishing, allowing Miami to stay in the game.

Messi was lively from the start and nearly broke the deadlock with a free-kick in the fourth minute that narrowly missed the post.

But New York City created the better chances and came closest to scoring when Rodriguez’s free-kick in the 11th minute hit the post and deflected off Callender for a corner.

In the 47th minute, Keaton Parks squandered a golden opportunity for New York, sending his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat, giving Miami another reprieve.

It looked like New York would pay for their missed chances when, 15 minutes from time, Messi released Jordi Alba on the wing. Alba squared the ball to Campana, who slotted home from close range to give Miami the lead against the run of play.

But just when it seemed Miami would walk away with three points, New York mounted one last attack, earning a corner. Rodriguez delivered a perfect cross from the set-piece, and Sands rose to head the ball into the net, ensuring a dramatic finish.