Daijiworld Media Network- Philadelphia

Philadelphia, May 25: In a night filled with drama and raw emotion at Subaru Park, Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he remains football’s ultimate game-changer. Trailing 1-3 with only minutes left on the clock, Inter Miami pulled off a sensational comeback to hold Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union to a breathtaking 3-3 draw, thanks to Messi’s brilliance and a stoppage-time strike by Telasco Segovia.

The match had largely belonged to the home side for the first 80 minutes. Philadelphia drew first blood in the 7th minute through Quinn Sullivan, and Israeli striker Tai Baribo added a brace, appearing to put the game beyond Miami’s reach. Tadeo Allende’s goal in the 60th minute gave the visitors a lifeline, but Baribo’s second looked like the final blow.

Just when Miami’s hopes were fading, Messi — as he has done countless times — produced a moment of magic. In the 87th minute, the Argentine maestro curled a stunning free-kick past the Philadelphia wall and goalkeeper to make it 2-3. It was his sixth goal of the season, and perhaps the most vital yet.

The stadium fell silent moments later when Venezuelan substitute Telasco Segovia netted the dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute, capping off a flowing team move that began — fittingly — at Messi’s feet.

“It’s these kinds of moments that define why Lionel Messi is different. He didn’t just score; he changed the course of the game,” a jubilant Inter Miami coach said post-match.

The result leaves Inter Miami still in contention in the playoff race, while Philadelphia will rue the missed opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table.

For the fans, though, it was a night of high drama, dazzling football, and the enduring magic of Lionel Messi — who once again proved that, even at 36, he remains football’s greatest showman.