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Philadelphia Union 3-3 Inter Miami CF: Messi Magic Denies Union Victory in Stoppage Time Thriller

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26
May

Philadelphia Union 3-3 Inter Miami CF: Messi Magic Denies Union Victory in Stoppage Time Thriller

Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS)
Result: Philadelphia Union 3 – 3 Inter Miami CF

Match Recap: Six-Goal Classic Ends in Dramatic Draw

Philadelphia Union were denied three points at home after a heart-stopping 3–3 draw against Inter Miami CF on Saturday night at Subaru Park. Despite leading by two goals at halftime and a brilliant brace from Golden Boot leader Tai Baribo, a Lionel Messi free-kick and a 95th-minute equalizer from Telasco Segovia stunned the crowd and salvaged a point for the visitors.

First-Half Brilliance from the Union

Backed by a packed and energetic home crowd, the Union got off to a dream start in the 7th minute. After a short corner routine between Kai Wagner and Quinn Sullivan, the homegrown star found space at the edge of the box and smashed a powerful effort into the top corner to make it 1–0.

Philadelphia doubled their lead just before halftime. A goalmouth scramble saw Mikael Uhre tap the ball to Baribo, who calmly slotted it home for his 12th goal of the season—cementing his status as MLS’s top scorer and giving the Union a 2–0 cushion at the break.

Miami's Comeback Led by Legends

Inter Miami responded after the interval. In the 60th minute, youngster Noah Allen whipped in a precise cross to Tadeo Allende, who headed past 19-year-old keeper Andrew Rick to cut the deficit.

Although a potential equalizer was ruled offside minutes later, Miami’s momentum was disrupted just long enough for the Union to strike again. In the 73rd minute, a long throw caused chaos in the Miami box, and Baribo capitalized with a composed finish—his 13th of the season—to make it 3–1.

But the match was far from over.

Messi Turns the Tide in Final Minutes

Lionel Messi, largely contained for most of the match, showcased his brilliance in the 87th minute. The Argentine icon curled a stunning free kick past Rick to bring Inter Miami within one goal.

In stoppage time, with the Union defense under pressure, substitute Telasco Segovia pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home the dramatic equalizer in the 95th minute—sealing a 3–3 draw and silencing Subaru Park.

Key Takeaways: 3 Points That Mattered

🔥 1. Baribo’s Golden Boot Charge

Tai Baribo extended his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with his 12th and 13th goals of the season. His clinical finishing continues to drive Philadelphia’s attack.

🇺🇸 2. Quinn Sullivan Shines

Fresh off his first senior national team call-up, Sullivan made an immediate impact with an early goal and high-energy play throughout the night.

😬 3. Missed Opportunity for the Union

While Philadelphia stays atop the Eastern Conference, two dropped points at home could become crucial depending on FC Cincinnati’s result against Atlanta on Sunday night.

Lineups

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2):

Andrew Rick; Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel; Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev (Bruno Damiani 75′), Quinn Sullivan (Frankie Westfield 87′); Tai Baribo, Mikael Uhre (Jesus Bueno 63′)

Unused Subs: Oliver Semmle, Alejandro Bedoya, Chris Donovan, Jeremy Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan, Oliver Mbaizo

Inter Miami CF (4-4-2):

Oscar Ustari; Gonzalo Lujan (Fafa Picault 78′), Tomas Aviles (Marcelo Weigandt 61′), Noah Allen, Ian Fray (Telasco Segovia 61′); Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright (Federico Redondo 40′), Jordi Alba, Tadeo Allende; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi

Unused Subs: Rocco Rios Novo, Benjamin Cremaschi, Hector Martinez, Allen Obando, Maximiliano Falcon

Scoring Summary

  • PHI – Quinn Sullivan (7′)

  • PHI – Tai Baribo (44′)

  • MIA – Tadeo Allende (60′)

  • PHI – Tai Baribo (73′)

  • MIA – Lionel Messi (87′)

  • MIA – Telasco Segovia (90+5′)

Disciplinary Actions

  • MIA – Ian Fray (41′)

  • PHI – Indiana Vassilev (41′)

  • PHI – Jesus Bueno (75′)

  • MIA – Jordi Alba (76′)

  • PHI – Jakob Glesnes (86′)

  • MIA – Federico Redondo (90+2′)

  • PHI – Danley Jean Jacques (90+7′)

What’s Next for the Union?

Philadelphia Union begin a critical two-match road trip to close out May, starting with an away fixture at Toronto FC on Wednesday night. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM ET and available live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

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