Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami

Photography by: Rodolfho Chona

The Philadelphia Union were cruising toward what looked like an easy three points on Saturday night, but Inter Miami had other ideas. In a wild 3–3 draw at Subaru Park, Lionel Messi and Telasco Segovia led a late-game rally that left Union fans in disbelief and Miami walking away with a hard-earned point.

It all started perfectly for Philly. Just seven minutes in, Quinn Sullivan fired up the crowd with an absolute beauty from the edge of the box. After a clever short corner, the homegrown talent curled one into the far corner to give the Union an early lead. By the time the first half was wrapping up, they doubled it. Mikael Uhre kept his cool in a chaotic goalmouth scramble and poked the ball to Tai Baribo, who calmly slotted it home. That’s Baribo’s 12th of the season, and it’s no wonder he’s in the Golden Boot conversation.

Up 2–0 at halftime, the Union looked like they had this one in the bag. But when Messi is on the field, no lead is safe. In the 60th minute, Miami got on the board. Youngster Noah Allen whipped in a perfect cross, and Tadeo Allende rose to head it past Union keeper Andrew Rick, who’s only 19 and learning on the job. Miami thought they had tied it up a few minutes later, but the offside flag kept the Union in front.

That didn’t last long, though. The Union hit back in the 73rd minute, with another messy play in the box leading to Baribo scoring again—his 13th of the year. With a 3–1 lead and less than 20 minutes to go, it felt like Philly had weathered the storm.

But Messi had other plans. In the 87th minute, the GOAT stepped up for a free kick from just outside the box and delivered one of his trademark curling beauties. Rick had no chance as the ball kissed the top corner, cutting the Union’s lead to one and cranking up the tension in the stadium.

And just when the home fans thought they’d survived, Telasco Segovia dropped the hammer in stoppage time. The Venezuelan sub pounced on a loose ball at the top of the box, danced past his defender, and smashed it into the top corner. Cue wild celebrations from Miami and stunned silence from the Philly faithful.

The Union are still sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, but dropping points like this could sting later in the season. For Miami, it’s a huge confidence boost during what’s been a tough stretch.

Philly will hit the road next, facing Toronto FC midweek, while Miami will be looking to build on this momentum. One thing’s for sure: when Messi’s around, you better expect the unexpected.