A late VAR intervention spared Lionel Messi and Inter Miami from a second consecutive home defeat on Saturday, as the Eastern Conference leaders fought to a 3-3 draw with St. Louis.
Inter Miami, having been upset at home by Atlanta on Wednesday, seemed poised for another costly loss after a 68th-minute own goal by Luis Suarez put St. Louis ahead 3-2 going into the final minutes.
However, in the dying moments, Miami substitute Julian Gressel’s long ball found Jordi Alba in space, and the Barcelona man tucked away the finish to the relief of the packed Chase Stadium crowd.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR official Daniel Radford prompted referee Allen Chapman to review the play on the monitor.
Replays showed that Alba was just onside, and the goal stood, ensuring Miami secured a share of the points.
Inter Miami almost clinched a dramatic win, but Marcelo Weigandt’s powerful late strike was brilliantly saved by St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki.
The result was tough on St. Louis, who led three times only to see Miami fight back for a fortunate draw.
Midfielder Chris Durkin gave St. Louis the lead after 15 minutes with a stunning shot from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Messi then worked his magic to bring Miami level in the 25th minute, wrongfooting the St. Louis defense before passing to Alba on the flank. Alba’s return cross found Messi, who swept in a low finish to make it 1-1.
Former Inter Miami player Indiana Vassilev put St. Louis ahead again in the 41st minute with a swift counter-attack, but Miami responded before halftime.
Another brilliant Messi run released Alba, whose low cross across the goal was tucked away by Suarez at a tight angle.
However, Suarez was left dejected midway through the second half when Durkin’s flick from a set piece deflected off him and into the Miami net, giving St. Louis a 3-2 lead.
It seemed that would secure the victory, but late VAR drama saved Miami, who remain atop the Eastern Conference standings with 35 points from 18 games.
Cincinnati trails Miami by two points but has played two fewer games.