Messi's Miami cling to second spot on dramatic final MLS day

MIAMI, United States — Lionel Messi's Inter Miami clung on for second place in the Eastern Conference with a wasteful 3-3 draw against Charlotte on the final day of the MLS regular season Saturday. The Argentine superstar set up the first two goals at Miami's Nu Stadium, both from corners, to procure the reigning champions home-field advantage in at least their opening two rounds of the playoffs. Ian Fray, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul racked up three first-half strikes for Inter Miami before Liel Abada's brace soon after the break sparked a comeback sealed by Rodolfo Aloko's late strike in a game characterized by awful defending at both ends. A single point proved enough. Miami finished the regular season second on 60, as third-place New England Revolution failed to take advantage with a surprise 1-0 loss at Orlando, finishing on 58. Messi's men will now face the Columbus Crew to begin the playoffs. Runaway leaders Nashville broke the all-time MLS points record with a whopping 77 after beating Cincinnati 2-0. Though he did not get on the scoresheet himself Saturday, Messi's 26 goals this season are still almost certain to seal his second straight golden boot award. Petar Musa, whose FC Dallas were in action later Saturday,...