In a nail-biting encounter at Yankee Stadium, Lionel Messi once again showcased his playmaking prowess, but a last-minute header from James Sands denied Inter Miami a well-deserved victory against New York City FC, resulting in a 1-1 draw on Saturday. The packed stadium erupted with cheers for Messi's brilliance, only to feel the pang of disappointment when NYCFC snatched an equalizer deep into stoppage time.

Messi's magic came to life in the 75th minute after receiving a deft outlet pass from defender Federico Redondo. He quickly orchestrated the move, sending a perfectly timed pass to Jordi Alba, who then laid it off for Leo Campana. The forward found the back of the net, marking his record-breaking 31st goal for Inter Miami, while Messi trails just behind with 27 goals. The goal had fans on their feet, celebrating what looked like a potential game-winning moment.

However, the drama was far from over. Just as the match seemed destined to end with an Inter Miami victory, James Sands made his mark by scoring his first career goal from a corner kick in the 95th minute. This unexpected twist left the home crowd at Yankee Stadium buzzing and gave NYCFC a vital point in their quest for playoff positioning.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino was understandably frustrated after the match, particularly with the officiating, believing that a missed foul on midfielder Yannick Bright before Sands’ equalizer should’ve been called. "We played well and deserved to win," Martino asserted. "The referee's decision on that foul changed the outcome of the match."

The intensity of the match was evident even before the ball was kicked, as NYCFC fans greeted the Inter Miami team bus with vocal hostility. The animosity carried over onto the field when Messi and NYCFC defender Thiago Martins exchanged heated words, igniting a flurry of yellow cards. In total, nine yellow cards—five of which were handed to Inter Miami players— and a red card for an assistant coach highlighted the match’s fiery nature.

Despite the narrow escape for NYCFC, Messi's presence was palpable throughout the game. The Argentine maestro came close to scoring multiple times, including several dangerous free kicks and corner attempts that tested NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freeze. However, the smaller dimensions of the Yankee Stadium pitch provided challenges for both teams in executing their plays.

This match added another layer of urgency for Inter Miami, as they eye a record-breaking points total for the season. With 64 points, they currently lead the Supporters' Shield standings and will need at least three wins in their final four matches to chase down the MLS record of 73 points set by the New England Revolution in 2021.

As Inter Miami continues to press forward in the league, the anticipation around Messi's performances only grows. His recent arrival has reinvigorated the club’s ambitions, including the possibility of clinching another title this season. After last year's Leagues Cup triumph shortly after Messi's transfer, fans are eager to see what heights the team can reach in the playoffs.

With the season winding down, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as they look to convert their talent into more victories—and perhaps even a championship.