A dramatic late intervention by VAR salvaged a 3-3 draw for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami against St. Louis on Saturday, preventing a second consecutive home defeat for the Eastern Conference leaders. The match, held at a packed Chase Stadium, saw Miami narrowly avoid a costly loss after an own goal by Luis Suarez in the 68th minute put St. Louis ahead 3-2.

With time ticking away, Miami substitute Julian Gressel launched a long ball to Jordi Alba, who expertly finished to equalize, much to the relief of the home crowd. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was eventually allowed after VAR official Daniel Radford advised referee Allen Chapman to review the play. Replays showed Alba was onside, securing Miami a crucial point.

In the dying moments, Miami almost clinched a dramatic victory, but a powerful strike by Marcelo Weigandt was brilliantly saved by St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki.

St. Louis took the lead three times during the match, only for Miami to fight back each time for a fortuitous draw. Midfielder Chris Durkin opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a stunning shot into the top corner. Messi responded in the 25th minute, setting up Alba on the flank before converting the return cross to make it 1-1.

Former Miami player Indiana Vassilev restored St. Louis' lead in the 41st minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack. However, Miami equalized before halftime with another Messi-Alba combination, leading to Suarez scoring from a tight angle.

In the second half, Suarez's unfortunate own goal from a Durkin flick during a set piece put St. Louis ahead again. Yet, Miami's persistence paid off with the late equalizer via Alba, confirmed after a tense VAR review.

The draw keeps Inter Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference with 35 points from 18 games, though Cincinnati, trailing by two points, has played two fewer matches.